a lone wolf

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lone wolf" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to someone who prefers to live or work independently, without depending on others for support and guidance. For example, "John was a lone wolf when it came to work; he preferred to work alone and was reluctant to ask for help from anyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

A lone wolf who favors nature, he turned his sights skyward with drawings of our heavens.

Huffington Post

In 2011 the Wolf Brewery in Norfolk brought out a Lone Wolf beer in his honour.

BBC

He will be a lone wolf.

The New Yorker

"But I'm a bit of a lone wolf.

Independent

He is not going to be a lone wolf.

Independent

Point out the perils of remaining a lone wolf.

Harvard Business Review

He found him to be a "lone wolf" terrorist.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

He would have a "lone-wolf type of personality.

The New Yorker

It's going to be more of an under-the-radar person, a lone-wolf type".

The New York Times

This was a lone-wolf attack, plain and simple.

Huffington Post

He didn't believe the explanation that the OpenTable employee was a lone wolf.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "a lone wolf", consider whether this independence is perceived positively (e.g., self-reliance) or negatively (e.g., isolation, lack of teamwork). The connotation can significantly alter the message.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a lone wolf" is incapable of collaboration. They may simply prefer to work independently but can still contribute effectively to a team when necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lone wolf" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used attributively to describe a person's character or behavior. It signifies independence and a preference for solitude, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a lone wolf" is a common idiom used to describe someone who prefers independence and solitude. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it can denote self-reliance and autonomy, it can also carry connotations of isolation. When using the phrase, be mindful of the intended message and whether the independence is portrayed positively or negatively. Related phrases like "independent operator" or "solitary individual" can provide alternative nuances, avoid assuming that a "a lone wolf" is incapable of collaboration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an independent operator

Emphasizes self-reliance and autonomy in a business or professional context.

a solitary individual

Highlights the state of being alone, lacking companionship or social interaction.

a maverick

Suggests someone who defies convention and acts independently, often with a rebellious attitude.

a free agent

Implies independence and the ability to choose one's affiliations, particularly in professional settings.

a one-man band

Refers to someone who handles all aspects of a task or project without assistance.

an outsider

Highlights the sense of not belonging or being part of a group or community.

a self-starter

Emphasizes initiative and the ability to begin and pursue tasks without external motivation.

a recluse

Suggests someone who withdraws from society and lives in seclusion.

a nonconformist

Indicates a person who does not adhere to prevailing social norms or expectations.

an individualist

Stresses the importance of personal autonomy and self-reliance over collective values.

FAQs

How can I use "a lone wolf" in a sentence?

You can use "a lone wolf" to describe someone who prefers to work or live independently. For example, "He's always been "a lone wolf", preferring to tackle projects on his own.".

What does it mean to call someone "a lone wolf"?

Calling someone "a lone wolf" typically means they are independent, self-reliant, and prefer to work or operate alone. It can imply both positive traits like autonomy and negative ones like isolation.

Which is correct, "lone wolf" or "loan wolf"?

The correct term is "lone wolf", referring to someone who prefers to be alone. "Loan wolf" is not a recognized phrase and would be a misspelling.

What are some synonyms for "a lone wolf"?

Synonyms for "a lone wolf" include "independent operator", "solitary individual", or "maverick", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.