freelancer.

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "freelancer." is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person who works independently, typically in a specific field or profession, rather than being employed by a company. Example: "As a freelancer, she has the flexibility to choose her projects and clients."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If you are launching your own career as a consultant or a freelancer who will work from home then it will be a relatively straight-forward set-up, but even in this instance you will need to factor in some overheads (a new laptop, marketing materials, website), as well as a financial float to keep you going for a few months in the case of late payments (this will definitely happen).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You'll leave with a realistic understanding of what it takes to be a freelancer, and feel more confident about pitching your ideas to editors.

The Guardian

"I just found people online through websites like oDesk.com where you can hire a freelancer per hour or per project from another country very cheaply".

The Guardian - Tech

Make the most of the chance to build new skills Gordon Stribling works as a freelancer for Mixmag magazine and maintains a blog of his published work at Gordon Stribling.

The Guardian

Nadine Marroushi, a British freelancer and former news agency reporter working in Egypt since 2011, was interviewing pro-government demonstrators making their way to Tahrir Square on the third anniversary of Egypt's revolution on 25 January when she was suddenly accused of working for al-Jazeera.

The Guardian

Your years as a freelancer may also pose problems alongside any "ageism" you might face.

The Economist

For a fee of $14-19 14-19th or $149-175 a year, a freelancer can post a bio, details of his experience, and clips and other work samonth.

The Economist

"I feel isolated as a freelancer and have had no health insurance since the start of the year; it's too expensive," she says.It is tempting to think of the globalisation of the labour market as a zero-sum game in which Mrs Kamal in Pakistan is benefiting at the direct expense of Ms Vetter in America.

The Economist

If you're an employee or an independent contractor or a freelancer and some entity or website is making money off your labor, you deserve to be paid.

The Economist

In a report for Deutsche Welle he had criticised the government for "violating laws and rulings by the Constitutional Court" in an attempt to remove Mr Băsescu from office.The site also accused Liliana Ciobanu, a freelancer who reports for The Economist, CNN and France 24 English, of being an "undercover agent" paid by Mr Băsescu to write articles against the government.

The Economist

"Dining with al-Qaeda" is a collection of stories and essays, in no very clear order, garnered from Mr Pope's life as a journalist, from his beginnings as a wet-behind-the-ears freelancer in Syria through his appointment in 2000 as the sole Middle East correspondent for the Wall Street Journal.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal contexts, consider using "independent contractor" instead of "freelancer" for a more professional tone.

Common error

Avoid assuming all "freelancers" have the same level of flexibility or income security; their experiences can vary greatly based on industry, skills, and client base.

Linguistic Context

The word "freelancer" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a person who works independently and offers their services to various clients. As Ludwig AI explains, the word can be used to describe someone's occupation or professional status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

25%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "freelancer" is a common and grammatically correct noun used to describe an individual who works independently, offering services to multiple clients. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It appears frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and formal business contexts, indicating its relevance across various domains. While interchangeable with "independent contractor", "freelancer" tends to be more informal. When writing about "freelancers", it's crucial to acknowledge the diversity in their experiences, skills, and income security. Alternatives include "independent contractor", "self-employed individual", and "gig worker", each with slight nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

independent contractor

Formal term emphasizing legal and contractual independence.

self-employed individual

Highlights the individual's responsibility for their own business.

gig worker

Modern term emphasizing short-term, project-based work.

contract worker

Focuses on the contractual nature of the work arrangement.

independent professional

Emphasizes the skill and expertise of the worker.

consultant

Suggests providing expert advice or services on a project basis.

sole proprietor

Legal term for a business owned and run by one person.

portfolio worker

Indicates a worker with multiple income streams from various clients or projects.

remote worker

Highlights the location-independent nature of the work.

temporary worker

Emphasizes the limited duration of the work engagement.

FAQs

How to use "freelancer" in a sentence?

You can use "freelancer" to describe someone who works independently, for example: "She works as a "freelancer" in the field of graphic design."

What is the difference between a "freelancer" and an employee?

A "freelancer" is self-employed and works on a contract basis for various clients, whereas an employee is hired by a company and receives a regular salary and benefits.

What are some common skills needed to succeed as a "freelancer"?

Common skills needed as a "freelancer" include self-discipline, marketing, time management, and strong communication skills.

Is "independent contractor" the same as "freelancer"?

"Independent contractor" is a more formal term for a "freelancer", both referring to someone who provides services to clients without being an employee.