as an individual

USAGE SUMMARY

"as an individual" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
You might use it when referring to how someone acts or makes decisions independent of a group or organization. For example: "As an individual, I try to make ethical decisions in all aspects of my life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I meant as an individual.

Independent

It belittles Hals as an individual.

The New Yorker

It breaks you as an individual.

The Guardian

Himself as an individual...

The New York Times - Books

He came as an individual.

The Guardian - Sport

It's not about me as an individual".

The Guardian

I'm not out there as an individual.

The New York Times - Sports

Forget about me as an individual.

The New York Times - Sports

I respect him as an individual.

The Guardian

Always remember your value as an individual.

The Guardian

I feel defunct, irrelevant, as an individual.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as an individual" to emphasize personal responsibility, perspective, or action, setting it apart from group dynamics or organizational roles. For example, "As an individual, I believe in supporting local businesses."

Common error

Avoid using "as an individual" when the context already clearly indicates a personal perspective. For example, instead of saying "Personally, as an individual, I think...", simply state "Personally, I think..." to avoid unnecessary repetition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as an individual" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It emphasizes that an action, belief, or characteristic is specific to a person, considered separately from any group or collective. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as an individual" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to emphasize a personal perspective or action, distinct from any group or organization. Ludwig confirms its correctness. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for use across a variety of contexts, from news reporting to casual discussions. While extremely common, it's important to avoid redundancy by ensuring its use adds meaningful distinction to the sentence. Consider alternatives such as "personally" or "independently" to fine-tune your expression. With its many examples available, Ludwig offers valuable insights into how to use this phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

personally

Emphasizes a viewpoint originating from one's self.

in one's own right

Highlights achievement or recognition based on one's merits alone.

on a personal level

Focuses on interactions and experiences that are individual and private.

from my perspective

Frames a statement as originating from one's subjective viewpoint.

for oneself

Highlights actions done with oneself as the primary beneficiary.

by oneself

Indicates that an action is done without assistance.

independently

Stresses the absence of influence or control from others.

in a solitary manner

Emphasizes isolation from others.

as a single entity

Underlines the separate and distinct nature of someone or something.

standing alone

Conveys a sense of self-reliance or lack of support.

FAQs

How can I use "as an individual" in a sentence?

You can use "as an individual" to specify a personal stance or action, distinct from a group or organization. For example, "As an individual, I am committed to reducing my carbon footprint."

What are some alternatives to "as an individual"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "personally", "in my own right", or "on a personal level".

Is it redundant to say "personally, as an individual"?

Yes, using both "personally" and "as an individual" together can be redundant because both phrases convey a personal viewpoint. Choose one or the other for clarity.

What's the difference between acting "as an individual" and acting "independently"?

Acting "as an individual" emphasizes that your actions reflect your personal beliefs or choices. Acting "independently" highlights that you are acting without external control or assistance.