alone

USAGE SUMMARY

"alone" is a perfectly correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it as an adjective to describe something or someone, as an adverb to describe an action or as a noun when referring to someone who is by themselves. For example: "She felt so alone in the big city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She is not alone.

The New York Times

But it is not alone.

The New York Times

If I could save the Union without freeing any slave I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone, I would also do that.

The New York Times

"Let us assure you that the Government will do all we can to defeat the voices of division, but ultimately the challenges of integration and radicalisation cannot be solved from Whitehall alone.

The Guardian

PH: "Leave me alone, you have no place in my life and no right to be proud.

The Guardian

They were not alone.

The New York Times - Sports

And it is not alone.

The New York Times

He was not alone.

The New York Times - Sports

In this he was not alone.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As she left, the SNP leader said the decision was up to the people of Scotland, then joked with photographers as they begged for one more shot of her alone.

The Guardian

Whichever view you take, multicultural and tolerant or disapproving and fearful, the awkward fact is that we have not been breeding fast enough (or young enough) to keep society functioning without outside help, let alone educating ourselves to the levels a post-industrial economy is going to need.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "alone" to emphasize the absence of others or assistance. For instance, use it to show that someone completed a task "alone", highlighting their self-reliance and capability.

Common error

Avoid using "alone" when you specifically want to convey a sense of sadness or isolation. While being "alone" describes a state of being by oneself, "lonely" describes the feeling of being sad because of being isolated. Prefer "lonely" to emphasize the emotional aspect.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "alone" primarily functions to modify a verb or adjective, indicating the manner in which an action is performed or a state is experienced. It highlights a sense of solitude or lack of assistance, as illustrated in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "alone" is a versatile term primarily functioning as an adverb or adjective, often used to convey the state of being by oneself or without assistance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, especially in news and media. While "alone" simply describes a state, it's important not to confuse it with "lonely", which carries an emotional connotation. Understanding its purpose and function ensures clear and effective communication, whether emphasizing self-reliance or illustrating a solitary state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by oneself

Focuses on the action being performed without assistance or company.

on one's own

Emphasizes independence and self-reliance.

solitary

Emphasizes the state of being single or isolated, often connoting preference or nature.

unaided

Highlights the lack of external help or support in accomplishing something.

single-handedly

Focuses on performing a task without any assistance.

exclusively

Indicates that something is limited to a particular person, group, or thing.

solely

Similar to exclusively, but often used to emphasize a single reason or factor.

without company

Directly states the absence of companionship or other people.

in isolation

Highlights the condition of being set apart or detached from others.

lonely

Highlights the emotional aspect of being alone, connoting sadness or longing.

FAQs

How can I use "alone" in a sentence?

"Alone" can be used as an adjective (e.g., "She was "alone" in the house"), an adverb (e.g., "He walked "alone"") or to indicate exclusivity (e.g., "That reason "alone" is enough").

What are some alternatives to saying "alone"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "by oneself", "solitary", "unaided", or "exclusively".

Is it correct to say "I am alone" or "I am lonely"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they convey different meanings. "I am "alone"" means you are physically by yourself. "I am "lonely"" means you feel sad because you are isolated or lack companionship.

What is the difference between "alone" and "only"?

"Alone" refers to the state of being by oneself or without others, while "only" emphasizes exclusivity or being the single one. For example, "I am "alone"" versus "I am the only one here."