get by alone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get by alone" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the idea of managing or surviving without assistance or companionship. Example: "After the breakup, she realized she could get by alone and focus on her personal growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"It's almost impossible to get by (alone)," said McDonald's worker Rita Jennings, 37, who was among about 100 protesters who marched in downtown Detroit Thursday.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Misa could easily get by on her looks alone -- but with her talent, this little Yorkie really is the whole package.

Huffington Post

The cold, hard fact is that even in the midst of recovery, too many Americans are working more than ever just to get by – let alone get ahead.

Independent

"The cold, hard fact is that even in the midst of recovery, too many Americans are working more than ever just to get by, let alone to get ahead... .. Obama told a packed joint session of Congress on Tuesday night.

The Guardian

The underlying grid of "Killer of Sheep" is the sense of a historical cord being cut by the demands and stresses of modern life, in which that continuity and sustenance is all the more crucial merely to get by, let alone to make progress to pass along and yet to transcend the terms of that inheritance.

The New Yorker

People in the news business are trying to figure out how to get by, let alone make a profit, and a recent Pew survey suggests that people have no idea what's going on.

TechCrunch

With the federal minimum wage stuck at $7.25 since 2009, too many working people can barely get by, let alone get ahead.

Huffington Post

But many of the defendants are people with their own addictions, most of whom barely get by, let alone make kingpin-level profits.

Vice

"Even in the midst of recovery, too many Americans are working more than ever just to get by, let alone get ahead," Obama said in his budget message to Congress.

HuffPost

Profits are up, "people at the top have never done better," but "the cold hard fact is that even in the midst of recovery, too many Americans are working more than ever just to get by, let alone get ahead.

Huffington Post

The cold, hard fact is that even in the midst of recovery, too many Americans are working more than ever just to get by; let alone to get ahead.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about self-reliance, use "get by alone" to emphasize the minimal resources or support needed to manage a situation. It's particularly effective when highlighting resilience in challenging circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "get by alone" when the context implies thriving or excelling; it's best suited for scenarios where mere survival or basic management is the focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get by alone" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, indicating the ability to manage or survive without external assistance. Ludwig indicates its correctness for expressing self-sufficiency.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "get by alone" is a grammatically correct and neutrally-toned expression signifying the ability to manage or survive without assistance. As per Ludwig, it effectively communicates self-reliance, although it is more suited to describing survival or management rather than thriving. While predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it is versatile enough for use in both formal and informal communication. Consider alternatives like "manage independently" or "survive solo" for subtle shifts in meaning. The phrase's infrequent occurrence suggests a cautious use, favoring contexts where self-sufficiency under limited resources is a key theme.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

manage independently

Focuses on the aspect of managing resources and responsibilities without external help.

survive solo

Emphasizes the act of surviving or existing on one's own, highlighting self-reliance.

cope without help

Highlights the ability to cope with difficulties or challenges in the absence of assistance.

make do single-handedly

Stresses the ability to accomplish tasks or manage situations alone, emphasizing individual effort.

subsist on one's own

Focuses on the aspect of subsisting or maintaining life independently.

fend for oneself

Highlights the need to protect and provide for oneself without support.

handle things individually

Emphasizes the aspect of addressing or managing matters on a personal basis.

navigate independently

Focuses on the ability to navigate or maneuver through situations without guidance.

go it alone

Suggests making a decision to proceed without company or assistance.

stand on one's own two feet

Implies being capable of self-sufficiency and independence, often after overcoming difficulties.

FAQs

How can I use "get by alone" in a sentence?

You can use "get by alone" to describe managing a situation or surviving without assistance. For example: "After the breakup, she realized she could get by alone and focus on her personal growth."

What are some alternatives to "get by alone"?

Alternatives include "manage independently", "survive solo", or "cope without help", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "getting by alone"?

Yes, "getting by alone" is grammatically correct. It's the gerund form of the verb phrase, often used to describe a continuous state or action.

What's the difference between "get by alone" and "manage on my own"?

While both phrases imply independence, "get by alone" often suggests a more basic level of survival or management, whereas "manage on my own" may imply a broader scope of handling responsibilities effectively. Check out "manage independently" for more information.