idly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "idly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe doing something in a lazy or inactive manner, often without purpose or effort. Example: "She sat idly on the couch, scrolling through her phone without any real intention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Addressing the media late on Wednesday night, Rudd said he had contested the prime ministership again because "I simply do not have it in my nature to stand idly by and allow an Abbott government to come to power in this country by default".

The Guardian

There are four of them: the pistol-toting medic with the silver hair, the Goth techy idly cradling an energy pistol, the tiny woman in big boots slapping a plank of wood in her fist, and the sharp-talking shotgunner.

The Guardian - Tech

The message to markets – which take on central banks at their peril – was that his ECB would not stand idly by.

The Guardian

To read them is to wonder idly: If Nick Clegg were to reprise his role of love interest in a hung parliament, which one of these policies would be first up against the wall?

The Guardian

I wondered idly why Andrew hadn't generated an international pilgrimage cult, like his fellow apostle St James in Santiago.

The Guardian - Travel

Idly by The manner in which people with whom you disagree are standing, a stance you typically cannot manage.

The Guardian

Add to this the fact that it was Nicolas Sarkozy who rescued Alstom in 2004 and his Socialist successors can hardly want to sit idly by now while the "industrial crown jewel" is dismantled.

The Economist

If mass slaughter is recognised as genocide when it is happening, it is harder for outside forces to sit idly by.

The Economist

They do not sit idly by, waiting for a big push.

The Economist

In 1994 the United States, the UN and Europe stood idly by as the genocide exploded.

The Economist

Europe's governments were not content to sit idly by as London hoovered up "their" business, so they belatedly reformed their bourses to make them more competitive.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "idly" to describe situations where someone is not actively engaged or is acting without a specific goal. This adds a nuance of inactivity or lack of purpose to your writing. For example: "The old car sat "idly" in the driveway, unused for years."

Common error

Avoid using "idly" when you mean to convey approval or agreement through inaction. "Idly" implies a lack of purpose or engagement, not necessarily consent or endorsement. Instead, consider using phrases like "passively accepted" or "acquiesced" to better convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "idly" primarily functions to modify verbs, indicating the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig AI confirms its use to describe actions done without purpose, effort, or engagement. Examples in Ludwig show it describing how someone might play with a paper or wonder about something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adverb "idly" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It describes actions performed without purpose or significant effort, often suggesting a state of inactivity or disengagement. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, "idly" serves to add nuance to descriptions of how actions are carried out. For more precise and varied expression, alternatives like "lazily" or "aimlessly" can be considered. While "idly" is generally appropriate, it's important to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning, especially when distinguishing between simple inactivity and indifference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lazily

Synonymous with "idly", emphasizing a lack of effort or willingness to work.

without purpose

Directly states the absence of a specific intention or goal.

inactively

Focuses on the lack of physical or mental activity.

leisurely

Suggests a relaxed and unhurried pace, similar to acting without purpose.

aimlessly

Highlights the lack of direction or goal in the action.

passively

Emphasizes acceptance of what happens without active response or resistance.

in a relaxed manner

Describes the style in which the action is performed, indicating lack of seriousness.

casually

Highlights the informal and unconcerned nature of the action.

negligently

Implies a lack of due care or attention in performing the action.

indifferently

Stresses the lack of interest or concern shown in the action.

FAQs

How can I use "idly" in a sentence?

"Idly" is typically used to describe an action done in a lazy, inactive, or purposeless manner. For example, "He sat "idly" by, watching the world go by" or "She was "idly" flipping through a magazine".

What are some synonyms for "idly"?

Synonyms for "idly" include "lazily", "inactively", "leisurely", and "aimlessly". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone is "idly" doing something?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Idly" is an adverb, so it modifies a verb, describing how the action is performed. For example, "He "idly" strummed the guitar" is a valid sentence.

What's the difference between "idly" and "indifferently"?

"Idly" suggests a lack of purpose or activity, while "indifferently" implies a lack of interest or concern. Someone acting "idly" might simply be bored, whereas someone acting "indifferently" is showing a lack of care about the outcome.