either alone

USAGE SUMMARY

"either alone" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that something can happen independently of any other thing. For example, "You can do it either alone or with a group of friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Either alone, or with friends".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She knows she cannot do either alone.

The New York Times

Is that more important for weight loss than either alone?

Stanford University

"Certainly the two together are more persuasive than either alone".

The New York Times

were administered either alone or in combination for 7 days.

Neuroscience

And it's either alone on the screen or there's a second object there.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Blend analytics and intuition into a combination more effective than either alone.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The combination stimulates the immune system more effectively than either alone.

Harvard University

Photograph a permanent or temporary workspace you use either alone or with a group.

University of California, Berkeley

Most of the photographs depict Young, either alone and in groups.

Columbia University

Waking up either alone or with someone, but still feeling lonely.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "either alone" to clearly indicate that an action or state can exist independently, without requiring any other elements or factors. This emphasizes the self-sufficiency or singularity of the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "either alone" when you actually mean 'only' or 'exclusively'. "Either alone" suggests a choice between being alone or with others, whereas 'only' specifies that there is no other possibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "either alone" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause to indicate a condition or manner in which an action can be performed. As Ludwig AI highlights, it emphasizes that something can happen independently.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "either alone" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate that an action or state can exist independently or as one of two options. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. Its frequency is high, appearing in science, news, academic, and encyclopedic sources. To ensure correct usage, remember that "either alone" presents a choice, unlike 'only', which signifies exclusivity. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can effectively incorporate "either alone" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solely

Focuses on exclusivity and being the only option.

independently

Highlights the absence of reliance on other factors or entities.

by oneself

Emphasizes the lack of company or assistance.

on its own

Suggests autonomy and self-sufficiency.

in isolation

Highlights separation from others or other elements.

without assistance

Explicitly states the absence of help.

as a single option

Focuses on the availability of only one choice.

in solitude

Implies a state of being alone, often by choice.

unaided

Stresses the lack of external support.

separately

Highlights the distinction and non-connection with other items.

FAQs

How can I use "either alone" in a sentence?

You can use "either alone" to express that something can be done or exist independently. For example, "You can complete the project "either alone" or as part of a team."

What phrases are similar to "either alone"?

Similar phrases include "solely", "independently", or "by oneself". These alternatives emphasize the aspect of doing something without assistance or others.

Is it grammatically correct to say "either alone"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase is commonly used to indicate a choice between doing something independently or in conjunction with something else.

What's the difference between "either alone" and "only"?

"Either alone" suggests a choice, whereas "only" implies exclusivity. Using "either alone" indicates that something can be done by oneself or with others, while "only" signifies that it can only be done in one specific way.