acting independently

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acting independently" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is functioning or making decisions without external influence or control. Example: "The committee is acting independently to ensure that their decisions are unbiased and fair."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The grand jury acts as an investigative body, acting independently of either prosecuting attorney or judge.

Cornell University

"It's important that charter commissions act and appear to be acting independently".

The New York Times

"We are acting independently".

The New York Times

He and the other writers say they are acting independently.

The New York Times

These are localised actions by local armed groups, acting independently to each other.

The Guardian - Opinion

If you are acting independently, triandrun.com offer good-value starter packs.

The Guardian - Sport

The victims contend that those affiliations will prevent him from acting independently of the church.

The New York Times

But some bidders complain that the Indian lenders are not acting independently.

The New York Times

While acting independently, the surgeon general works out of the Department of Health and Human Services.

The New York Times

"Is it possible that we had one or two or three people acting independently?" he said.

The New York Times

Some computer security experts reiterated their belief yesterday that the attacks had several authors acting independently.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "acting independently", ensure the context clearly indicates the entity or individual from whom the action is independent. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "acting independently" without specifying what the subject is independent from. Vague usage can lead to confusion about the nature and scope of the independent action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acting independently" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as an adverbial modifier to describe how an action is performed. It emphasizes the autonomy and lack of external influence in the action, as shown in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

22%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "acting independently" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to describe autonomous action free from external control. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correctness and usability across diverse fields such as news, academia, and science. While its frequency is high, contextual clarity is paramount to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "operating autonomously" or "functioning separately" may offer nuanced variations. Remember to specify from whom the action is independent to ensure precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

operating autonomously

Focuses on the self-governing aspect of the action, highlighting freedom from external rules.

deciding autonomously

Focuses specifically on the freedom to make choices without external influence.

functioning separately

Emphasizes the distinct and disconnected nature of the operation.

undertaking independently

Focuses on the initiation and completion of a task without external help.

proceeding on one's own

Highlights the individual's initiative and lack of reliance on others.

managing independently

Highlights the self-management aspect of handling tasks or situations.

taking unilateral action

Implies a decision made and acted upon without consulting others.

acting without instruction

Emphasizes the absence of guidance or directives from others.

working in isolation

Stresses the lack of collaboration and potential detachment from a team.

performing solo

More informal and emphasizes individual execution, suitable for less formal contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "acting independently" in a sentence?

You can use "acting independently" to describe someone or something that is functioning or making decisions without external influence or control. For example, "The committee is "acting independently" to ensure that their decisions are unbiased and fair."

What can I say instead of "acting independently"?

Alternatives include "operating autonomously", "functioning separately", or "proceeding on one's own", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always positive to describe someone as "acting independently"?

Not necessarily. While it often implies autonomy and initiative, it can also suggest a lack of collaboration or disregard for established protocols. The connotation depends heavily on the context.

What's the difference between "acting independently" and "working autonomously"?

While similar, ""acting independently"" generally refers to a specific action or decision, whereas "working autonomously" implies a more sustained and general state of self-governance in one's work.