are independent

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "are independent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that two or more people or things are not influenced or controlled by other people or things. For example: "The two candidates are independent and are not working with any political party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are independent contractors.

The New York Times - Sports

"Fishermen are independent people.

The New York Times - Travel

In theory, these are independent.

The Economist

Others are independent of it.

The Economist

They are independent creatures.

The New York Times

People are independent individuals".

The Guardian - Music

Their minds are independent".

The Guardian

They are independent.

Harvard University

"We are independent.

The Guardian - Business

The other eight are independent.

The New York Times - Sports

Traders are independent and swaggering.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be careful to not use "are independent" when meaning "are indifferent". Although both can describe a state of separation, the second refers specifically to opinions and emotions.

Common error

Avoid confusing "are independent" with "are indifferent". While 'independent' implies autonomy, 'indifferent' suggests a lack of interest or concern. For example, say 'They are independent researchers' not 'They are indifferent researchers' when you mean they are self-funded.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are independent" primarily functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state or condition of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that the subjects are not controlled or influenced by others. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe contractors, researchers, and even countries.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are independent" is a versatile and frequently used way to describe entities that possess autonomy and self-reliance. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. Key alternatives include phrases like "are self-sufficient" and "function autonomously". It's important to distinguish "are independent" from "are indifferent" to avoid miscommunication. Using "are independent" effectively involves providing context on what the subject is independent from, ensuring clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are self-reliant

Emphasizes the ability to depend on oneself for support and resources.

act on their own

Focuses on the freedom to take actions without needing permission or guidance.

enjoy autonomy

Highlights the possession and benefit of being self-governing and free from control.

are self-sufficient

Indicates the capability to provide for one's own needs without external help.

stand alone

Emphasizes the capacity to exist or function without assistance or connection.

function autonomously

Focuses on the ability to operate without external control, emphasizing self-governance.

remain uninfluenced

Stresses the capacity to avoid being affected or controlled by external factors.

operate separately

Highlights the distinct and non-interfering nature of operations or functions.

exercise self-determination

Stresses the act of making one's own choices and controlling one's own fate.

maintain sovereignty

Implies the ability to govern oneself without external interference, often in a political context.

FAQs

How can I use "are independent" in a sentence?

Use "are independent" to describe entities that operate autonomously or are not controlled by others. For example, "The researchers "are independent" of any corporate funding".

What's a good alternative to saying "are independent"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "are self-sufficient", "function autonomously", or "stand alone" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say something is "independant"?

No, the correct spelling is "independent". "Independant" is a common misspelling.

What is the difference between being "independent" and being "isolated"?

"Independent" implies autonomy and self-reliance, whereas "isolated" suggests a lack of connection or support, often involuntarily. While an independent entity chooses its path, an isolated one is separated from others, possibly against its will.