independently

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "independently" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or processes that are done without reliance on others or without external influence. Example: "She completed the project independently, showcasing her ability to work alone and manage her time effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

North Korea's state media often boasts of successful military and space accomplishments, including the launch of a functional communications satellite, which are not independently verified by outside experts.

The Guardian

Mr Stan Crowther, Labour MP for Rotherham and former mayor of the town, said he was unhappy with the socialist republic slogan because it wrongly implied South Yorkshire could act independently of decisions at Westminster.

The Guardian

A close relative of María's trafficed cocaine independently, she said, but still depended on the cartel to keep order in the state.

The Guardian

Amnesty International is calling on the government of Iraq to guarantee that Ramze receives a fair trial and to independently investigate his allegations of torture in detention.

The Guardian

No one knows where Kony is, and most of his band operate independently.

The Guardian

Since the scheme is so restricted, thousands of other Syrians have independently made their way to the UK, and at great personal cost – paying out huge sums to traffickers, smuggling themselves in lorries from Calais, or risking their lives in unseaworthy ships across the Mediterranean.

The Guardian

It is harder for those who come independently and claim asylum once they have arrived, because they have to wait until their application is approved before they can work – a very unsettling period, made harder to cope with by enforced unemployment.

The Guardian

The next step is to agree among themselves the specific objectives to be met in the research lessons; for example "we want our pupils to have the confidence to work independently on problems in maths".

The Guardian

Lindsey and Jamie had been with Life (Living Independently Forever) for a year and a half before that trip.

The Guardian - Tech

The new Care Act, which establishes wellbeing as the core principle of the modern care and support system, offers enormous opportunities to engage volunteers in helping older and disabled people to live independently.

The Guardian

The size of that war chest is beginning to provoke pointed questions about the refusal of the Scottish government to set out who will police the referendum, such as who will independently monitor donations and set a limit for campaign spending.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Choose "independently" when you wish to emphasize a lack of reliance on external control or support in conducting an activity. Think of the precise meaning you want to convey whether it is about autonomy or individual work.

Common error

Avoid using "independently" when you actually mean "independence". "Independently" is an adverb describing how something is done, while "independence" is a noun referring to the state of being free from control.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "independently" primarily functions to modify verbs, indicating that an action is performed without external influence, control, or assistance. Ludwig confirms this usage pattern through numerous examples showcasing its application across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "independently" is a versatile adverb that means performing an action without external influence or assistance. Ludwig AI shows it's grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in news, formal business, and scientific contexts. Key to using "independently" effectively is understanding its nuances and choosing appropriate alternatives like "autonomously" or "on one's own" based on context. Remember, using "independently" highlights autonomy and self-reliance, so ensure your writing reflects that intent, as confirmed by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on one's own

Focuses on the absence of assistance or collaboration.

autonomously

Highlights the self-governing and self-directed nature of the action.

separately

Emphasizes the distinct and non-connected nature of actions or entities.

without assistance

Directly states the lack of help in performing an action.

by oneself

Similar to "on one's own" but can also imply solitude.

single-handedly

Highlights the individual's sole responsibility and effort.

of one's own accord

Stresses the voluntary and self-initiated nature of the action.

self-sufficiently

Focuses on the ability to provide for oneself without needing external support.

in isolation

Highlights the separation from others and the performance of an action in a solitary manner.

unilaterally

Implies acting alone, especially in a decision-making context.

FAQs

How can I use "independently" in a sentence?

Use "independently" to describe actions done without external control or help. For example, "She completed the project "independently"" means she did it without assistance.

What are some alternatives to using "independently"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "autonomously", "on one's own", or "separately".

Is there a difference between "independently" and "independently of"?

"Independently" describes doing something without influence, while "independently of" specifies what the action is free from. For example, "He decided "independently"" versus "He decided independently of his parents."

When is it appropriate to use "independently" in formal writing?

It is appropriate to use "independently" in formal writing when you need to emphasize the autonomous nature of an action or decision, especially in contexts such as research, business, or legal matters. For example, "The audit was conducted "independently" by a third-party firm."