lies alone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lies alone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that is isolated or solitary, often in a physical or emotional context. Example: "In the quiet room, the old book lies alone on the dusty shelf, forgotten by time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Bulky and bearded, a man lies alone in the dark.

The New Yorker

Elizabeth lies alone, in a relatively modest sarcophagus.

The New York Times - Travel

The body of William the Conqueror is stripped and plundered so vigorously, immediately following his death, that it is rolled off the bed and lies alone for hours on the floor.

The New Yorker

David's Marat Assassinated is a scene of solitude and isolation in which the revolutionary Marat lies alone under black empty space in the bath where he was killed - the opposite of the crowd to whose unity Delacroix pays homage.

The Guardian - Arts

But such is Mitchell's beautifully precise style that he can make inaction just as pleasurable, as Eiji lies alone on his bed, smoking cigarettes and watching the neon clock across the street count down the hours until dawn.

The Guardian - Books

One beachmaster bull – the alpha male of the species – sits among his harem, while another, slightly smaller male, lies alone a dozen yards away, resting his chin on a slab of rock with the look of a scolded dog.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The patients do not lie alone in hospital beds.

The New York Times - Science

Tagalo was found lying alone by Italian relief workers.

The Guardian

Most were gathered in small clusters, but some lay alone.

The Guardian

They took me into the curtained cubicle where John lay, alone now.

The New York Times - Magazine

Leila: I lie alone and dream / About Nadir's chunky biceps.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lies alone" to create a sense of isolation or vulnerability in your writing. It's particularly effective when describing a character's emotional state or a desolate scene.

Common error

Avoid using "lies alone" when you mean something is untrue. "Lies" in this phrase refers to the act of reclining, not deception. For falsehoods, use "lies" in the context of untruthfulness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lies alone" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, often used to depict a state of solitude or isolation. Ludwig examples show its use in describing physical positions and emotional states.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lies alone" is grammatically correct and serves to describe a state of solitude, often with emotional undertones. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is usable in written English to describe something or someone isolated. While not overly common, its usage is found predominantly in news and media contexts. To ensure clarity, distinguish between "lies" (to recline) and "lies" (untruths). Alternatives such as "is lying solitary" or "remains unattended" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance intended. Ensure usage aligns with the intended meaning to avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is lying solitary

Emphasizes the act of lying in a solitary manner.

is resting isolated

Highlights the state of being isolated while at rest.

is prostrate and lonely

Adds an emotional dimension of loneliness to the physical act of lying down.

is reclined in isolation

Formal and emphasizes the physical position of reclining while being isolated.

remains unattended

Focuses on the lack of attention or care given.

is left desolate

Emphasizes a sense of abandonment and emptiness.

is isolated in repose

Highlights the isolation during a state of rest or sleep.

is abandoned and still

Combines abandonment with a lack of movement.

is unaccompanied at rest

More formal and emphasizes the lack of company during rest.

is single in repose

This phrase emphasizes on the state of being single during a pause.

FAQs

How can I use "lies alone" in a sentence?

You can use "lies alone" to describe someone or something that is in a state of solitude or isolation. For example: "The old book "lies alone" on the dusty shelf."

What are some alternatives to "lies alone"?

Alternatives include "is lying solitary", "is resting isolated", or "remains unattended" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "lies alone" and "lays alone"?

"Lies alone" (present tense) is correct when describing someone currently reclining in solitude. "Lay alone" (past tense) would describe someone who reclined alone in the past. Note the difference between the intransitive verb "lie" (to recline) and the transitive verb "lay" (to place something down).

Is it correct to say "lying alone" instead of "lies alone"?

"Lying alone" is the present participle form, often used with auxiliary verbs like "is", "was", etc., to form continuous tenses (e.g., "He is lying alone"). "Lies alone" is the simple present tense form, used for habitual actions or general statements of fact (e.g., "He often "lies alone" to think").