alone like that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "alone like that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is by themselves in a particular manner or context that may seem unusual or noteworthy. Example: "I never expected to see her sitting alone like that in the crowded café."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

1.07pm: @Hankvantenk - I can't believe that young girl just left Lemmy's corpse alone like that.

The Guardian - Film

Arsenal were a man down and defensive assignments may have changed, but you can't leave a player of Zouma's stature all alone like that.

Independent

"How can you leave them alone like that?" "They read the Koran until 8 p.m., then he leaves for his apartment," Mr. Gakou said, referring to the marabout.

The New York Times

"What kind of mother leaves her child alone like that?" One who has to go inside, like mothers do all over America, Cissy said, to answer the telephone.

The New York Times - Magazine

Later in the morning, Beth, curious about the route she'd taken the previous night, proud of her initiative (two times down the path to Hanuman Nagar: when in her life had she ever struck out alone like that?), wandered through the bamboo grove and the trees above the laundry, just to see where she'd been.

The New Yorker

It must be hard going through life all alone like that.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"I shouted through the car window and told the guy to move on and he says, 'I am gassing myself, leave me alone.' Like that".

The Guardian - Books

We sat alone together like that for about an hour before I alerted the hospital staff.

Vice

Don't be an idiot: there's no reason to start trying to survive on sunlight alone, or anything like that.

The Guardian - Opinion

And you should be really careful with walking in the streets at 3 am alone and stuff like that.

WikiHow

I never expected to be where I am now, let alone go on shows like that.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "alone like that" to emphasize the specific circumstances or manner of someone's solitude, creating a vivid image for the reader. For example, "She stood alone like that, gazing out at the empty horizon, a figure of quiet contemplation."

Common error

Avoid using "alone like that" when simply stating someone is alone. This phrase implies a particular, often notable, manner of being alone, not just the state of being by oneself. Saying "He was alone" is different from "He was alone like that, surrounded by untouched food and unopened presents."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alone like that" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the manner in which someone is alone. Ludwig examples show it often adds emphasis or commentary on the state of solitude. Ludwig AI considers the phrase grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Wiki

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "alone like that" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase in written English, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as an adverbial phrase, adding emphasis to the manner in which someone is alone. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. It's crucial to remember that "alone like that" implies a specific or noteworthy circumstance surrounding the solitude, making it different from simply stating someone is "alone". Utilizing this phrase effectively involves considering the context and ensuring it appropriately conveys the intended nuance. Ludwig examples emphasize its role in creating vivid imagery and evoking empathy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by oneself in that situation

Stresses the solitude within a specific context or scenario.

solitary in those circumstances

Focuses on the state of being alone under particular conditions.

isolated in that way

Highlights the specific manner or context of isolation.

isolated under those conditions

Stresses the isolation experienced in specific circumstances.

left in that condition

Focuses on the state of being left behind in a certain state.

in such isolation

Focuses on the state of being isolated in a particular manner.

unsupported in that instance

Emphasizes the absence of support during a specific event.

abandoned in that fashion

Emphasizes the feeling of being deserted in a particular style or manner.

unaided in that predicament

Highlights the lack of assistance in a difficult situation.

forsaken in that moment

Highlights the feeling of being abandoned at a specific point in time.

FAQs

How can I use "alone like that" in a sentence?

You can use "alone like that" to describe a specific or remarkable way someone is alone. For example, "I've never seen anyone sit "alone like that" in such a crowded room" suggests the person's solitude is unusual or poignant.

What's the difference between "alone" and "alone like that"?

"Alone" simply indicates a state of being by oneself. "Alone like that" implies a particular or noteworthy circumstance surrounding the solitude. The latter adds an element of emphasis or observation about how someone is alone.

What can I say instead of "alone like that"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "in such isolation", "isolated in that way", or "abandoned in that fashion" to convey a similar sense of specific or noteworthy solitude.

Is it correct to use "alone like that" in formal writing?

Yes, ""alone like that"" is grammatically correct and can be used in formal writing. However, consider the tone and context to ensure it fits appropriately. It is more common in narrative or descriptive passages.