lead an independent life

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'lead an independent life' is correct English and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who lives without relying on help from others or an organization. For example, "As a single parent, I was determined to lead an independent life and make sure my children had everything they needed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

But Lucy won't ever be able to lead an independent life.

The Guardian

I took my hard-won individual support package funding and set off to lead an independent life.

The Guardian - Opinion

Indeed, in some cases, parents who permit their child to lead an independent life are actually criminalised.

Independent

Schwarz is arrogant enough to think he can solve it, but he soon discovers that "the files lead an independent life, which is hostile to human life".

The New York Times - Books

The collision of a woman or a man's wish to lead an independent life with the force of Victorian mores provides the drama of Gissing's most enjoyable novels.

The Guardian - Books

Allen Lane; £25A spunky, humorous woman who fought conventional Victorian family expectations to lead an independent life as an artist, businesswoman and conservationist._________________________________________Edith WhartonBy Hermione Lee.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"My wife is independent, she leads an independent life, so do I," the mayor said over the weekend.

The New York Times

"My wife is independent, she leads an independent life, so do I," the mayor said last month.

The New York Times

And even though the behavior would be technically forbidden, he openly socialized with his girlfriend, a photojournalist who led an independent life.

The New York Times

It ended with a 15-minute number called "The Golden Section," which seemed to float free of the rest and, in revised form, has led an independent life ever since.

The New York Times - Arts

Since January 2005, she had lived in Bellevue, Neb., with a daughter and son-in-law, Polly and J. Kennedy Costello, and led an independent life that involved driving to her own medical appointments, assuming "chief gardener" duties at the Costello household and maintaining her own finances, her family said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's journey to self-reliance, use "lead an independent life" to emphasize their proactive efforts and choices in achieving autonomy.

Common error

Avoid using "lead an independent life" when describing situations where significant support is still required. Instead, acknowledge the existing assistance while highlighting the individual's efforts toward greater autonomy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lead an independent life" functions as a verb phrase, with "lead" acting as the verb and "an independent life" serving as the direct object. It describes the action of living in a self-reliant manner. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is used in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lead an independent life" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe self-reliance and autonomy. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's suitable for written English. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Science, suggesting its relevance across various discussions. While alternatives like "live autonomously" or "be self-sufficient" exist, "lead an independent life" often emphasizes the proactive choices and efforts involved in achieving this state. Remember to use this phrase when describing a deliberate journey towards self-reliance and avoid it when substantial assistance remains necessary. Consider context to ensure that you're providing relevant information with clear language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

live autonomously

Focuses on self-governance and making one's own decisions.

be self-sufficient

Highlights the ability to provide for oneself without external help.

live self-reliantly

Emphasizes reliance on one's own capabilities and resources.

manage independently

Focuses on the ability to handle affairs and responsibilities without assistance.

live without assistance

Highlights the absence of reliance on external support.

maintain independence

Focuses on preserving a state of autonomy over time.

be free from reliance

Underscores the absence of dependence on others.

be your own boss

This phrase conveys a sense of control and freedom in one's life, particularly in a work context.

handle one's own affairs

Focuses on managing personal matters without intervention.

stand on one's own two feet

This idiom emphasizes self-reliance and the ability to support oneself.

FAQs

How can I use "lead an independent life" in a sentence?

You can use "lead an independent life" to describe someone who is self-reliant and doesn't rely on others for support. For example, "After graduating, she was determined to lead an independent life and support herself".

What are some alternatives to "lead an independent life"?

Alternatives include "live autonomously", "be self-sufficient", or "manage independently", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "lead an independant life" with an 'a' instead of an 'e' in 'independent'?

No, the correct spelling is "lead an independent life" with an 'e'. "Independant" is a misspelling of "independent".

What does it mean to "maintain independence" after already "leading an independent life"?

While "lead an independent life" describes the initial state of autonomy, "maintain independence" emphasizes the ongoing effort required to preserve that autonomy over time, especially in the face of challenges.