independent of

USAGE SUMMARY

"independent of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that something is separate from or unaffected by something else. For example, "The result was independent of the amount of time spent on the task."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Others are independent of it.

The Economist

"And quite independent of sunshine and showers.

The New York Times

Again, the hazard was independent of weight.

The New York Times - Health

The net susceptibility is independent of temperature.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The C.B.I. cannot be independent of government.

The New York Times

These elements seemed independent of one another.

The New Yorker

Republicans, or independent of political parties?

The New York Times

But independent of what?

The New York Times

They're independent of us.

The Guardian

We're independent of that.

The New York Times - Arts

Independent of the A.C.L.U.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "independent of", ensure the relationship between the two elements is clear to avoid ambiguity. Specify precisely what is not affected by what.

Common error

Avoid using "independent of" when a degree of influence or correlation exists. Ensure that the elements truly operate without affecting each other to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "independent of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, noun, or clause. It indicates a lack of influence, connection, or reliance between two elements. Ludwig confirms its correct usage as a way to express separateness or lack of effect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "independent of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to express that one thing is not affected or influenced by another. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias. It's crucial to maintain clarity and precision when using this phrase, ensuring the elements are truly separate. While alternatives like "regardless of" and "separate from" exist, "independent of" remains a strong choice for emphasizing a lack of correlation. With its frequency and grammatical correctness, this phrase is a valuable asset in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regardless of

This phrase indicates that something happens or is true no matter what, similar to being "independent of" a specific condition.

irrespective of

Similar to "regardless of", this phrase conveys that something is not affected by a particular factor.

unaffected by

This directly states that something remains unchanged or uninfluenced by something else.

separate from

This suggests a clear distinction and lack of connection between two things.

distinct from

Highlights the difference and lack of influence between two entities or concepts.

unrelated to

Indicates a lack of connection or relevance between two things.

autonomous from

Implies self-governance or self-sufficiency, being free from external control or influence.

detached from

Suggests a separation, either physically or conceptually, leading to a lack of influence.

self-governing

Highlights the ability to operate without external interference or control.

free from

Indicates the absence of a particular constraint or influence.

FAQs

How can I use "independent of" in a sentence?

Use "independent of" to show that one thing does not affect another. For example, "The study's findings were "independent of" the participants' ages".

What's a good alternative to "independent of"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "regardless of", "irrespective of", or "separate from" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "independant of"?

No, the correct spelling is ""independent of"". The misspelling "independant" is a common error.

How does "independent of" differ from "dependent on"?

"Independent of" means something is not affected by something else, while "dependent on" means something relies on or is influenced by something else. They are opposite in meaning.