like alone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like alone" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express a feeling of solitude or being alone in a certain context, but it lacks clarity and proper grammatical structure. Example: "I often feel like alone in a crowded room."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Teams don't always do better than individuals, but there is a Helen Keller quote I particularly like: "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much".

The Economist

There are a few reasons: I like alone time, reading books, going out with my friends, volunteering, working out, going on weekend trips, etc.

Vice

"I don't feel, like, alone.

The New York Times - Magazine

"When you're alone," she added, "you're, like, alone".

The New York Times - Arts

"I haven't skied like this in a while — you know, like, alone," Vonn said, clicking into her ski bindings.

The New York Times - Magazine

Like Alone In Berlin, A Small Circus is as gripping as it is horrifying – but it has rough edges and longueurs.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

However, knockdown of otogelin-like alone is not sufficient to phenocopy the foxa1 morphants.

Development (Cambridge)

However, except for the mentioned case in opossum, at this evolutionary distance it becomes difficult to distinguish Wdnm1-like orthologues from other family members, and it would become more a discussion on the evolution of Wdnm1-like plus related molecules than of Wdnm1-like alone.

F1000Research

"I like going alone.

The New York Times

"I like being alone".

The New York Times

"I like being alone," Fite said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider rephrasing "like alone" for clarity. Instead, use phrases such as "enjoying solitude" or "preferring to be alone" to more effectively communicate your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "like" directly before "alone" as if creating a simile without a clear subject. For example, instead of saying "I feel like alone", specify who or what is experiencing that feeling: "I feel "like I'm alone"".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like alone" functions as an incomplete expression, often intended to convey a feeling of solitude or preference. However, it lacks standard grammatical structure. As Ludwig AI points out, it is not a grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "like alone" appears in various contexts, particularly in news and media, it's crucial to recognize that it's grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase lacks clarity and proper grammatical structure. It's better to use alternatives such as "like being alone" or "feeling alone" to express your intended meaning more effectively. When writing, prioritize clarity and grammatical accuracy by using more precise and standard English phrases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by myself

A simple and direct way of stating that one is not with anyone else.

on my own

Similar to "by myself" but can also imply independence and self-reliance.

preferring my own company

Emphasizes a conscious choice to be alone, suggesting self-sufficiency and contentment.

enjoying solitude

Focuses on the positive aspect of being alone, highlighting the pleasure derived from it.

being unaccompanied

A more formal way of saying someone is without company.

solo

A concise term indicating that something is done or experienced alone.

in isolation

Highlights the state of being separated from others, often implying a lack of social interaction.

apart from others

Highlights physical separation from other people.

secluded

Suggests being hidden away or withdrawn from society.

feeling lonely

Shifts the focus to the emotional state of being alone, suggesting a sense of sadness or longing for companionship.

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to say "like alone"?

No, the phrase "like alone" is not grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use phrases such as "like being alone" or "as if alone" to convey your intended meaning.

What are some alternatives to "like alone" that express a preference for solitude?

Alternatives that express a preference for solitude include "enjoying solitude", "preferring my own company", or simply "liking being by myself".

How can I use "like alone" in a sentence correctly?

It's best to avoid using "like alone" directly. Instead, rephrase the sentence to use a grammatically correct alternative. For example, instead of "I feel like alone", say "I feel "like I'm alone"" or "I feel "as though I'm alone"".

What's the difference between "like alone" and "like being alone"?

The phrase "like alone" is grammatically incorrect and doesn't clearly convey a complete thought. "Like being alone" is grammatically sound and expresses a fondness or preference for solitude.