Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
purely voluntary
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"purely voluntary" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an act, task, or situation that is done without any external pressure or obligation. For example, "She decided to take part in the marathon purely voluntary."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Academia
Formal & Business
Science
Alternative expressions(20)
entirely optional
completely discretionary
totally unforced
freely chosen
of one's own accord
absolutely voluntary
fully voluntary
wholly voluntary
perfectly voluntary
solely voluntary
strictly voluntary
entirely voluntary
totally voluntary
completely voluntary
purely cultural
purely physical
purely imaginary
purely serendipitous
purely mine
purely incidental
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
The program is purely voluntary, he said.
News & Media
The French health computer is purely voluntary and cost £600m.
News & Media
The Association is a purely voluntary organization of independent pharmacists.
News & Media
Unlike Bill A10129, however, it is purely voluntary.
News & Media
The standards that now exist are purely voluntary.
News & Media
Participation would be purely voluntary on both sides.
News & Media
And the decision often appears to be not purely voluntary.
News & Media
A licensing system would be purely voluntary with the copyright proprietor.
Academia
It makes union dues purely voluntary and prohibits their collection via paycheck deduction.
News & Media
The limits as to what a purely voluntary exercise can deliver have been reached.
News & Media
Publicly, European officials are presenting Italy's decision to bring in the I.M.F. as purely voluntary.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "purely voluntary" to emphasize the absence of coercion, especially in contexts where there might be an expectation of participation or a perceived pressure to conform.
Common error
Avoid using "purely voluntary" as a substitute for providing clear information. Even if something is optional, ensure that all relevant details are communicated transparently so individuals can make informed decisions. Don't assume that merely stating something is voluntary is enough.
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "purely voluntary" functions as an adverbial modifier that intensifies the adjective "voluntary". It clarifies the degree to which something is optional, emphasizing the complete absence of obligation or coercion. Ludwig confirms that is correct and usable in written English.
Frequent in
News & Media
37%
Academia
31%
Science
21%
Less common in
Formal & Business
10%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "purely voluntary" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that emphasizes the complete absence of obligation or coercion. Ludwig confirms its usability in various writing contexts. It functions as an adverbial modifier, adding emphasis to the adjective "voluntary". Its communicative purpose is to reassure individuals that their participation is entirely optional. As seen in Ludwig's examples, this phrase is frequently employed in news, academic, and business contexts. When using "purely voluntary", ensure that it's part of a transparent communication strategy, providing complete details and avoiding assumptions about understanding. Alternatives include "entirely optional" and "completely discretionary".
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
entirely optional
Emphasizes the lack of requirement or necessity in participating.
completely discretionary
Highlights the freedom to choose based on one's own judgment.
totally unforced
Stresses the absence of external pressure or compulsion.
fully volitional
Indicates that the action is a result of one's own will.
absolutely elective
Suggests that the action is a matter of personal selection.
genuinely willing
Highlights the sincere desire and consent involved.
freely chosen
Emphasizes the absence of constraints in making the decision.
willingly undertaken
Implies a positive attitude and readiness to engage in the activity.
of one's own accord
Indicates that the action is initiated without prompting from others.
by free will
Highlights the role of individual autonomy in the decision-making process.
FAQs
How can I use "purely voluntary" in a sentence?
You can use "purely voluntary" to describe activities or programs where participation is not required and individuals are free to choose whether or not to take part. For example, "Participation in the survey is "entirely optional" and "completely discretionary"".
What are some alternatives to the phrase "purely voluntary"?
Some alternatives include "entirely optional", "completely discretionary", and "totally unforced". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.
Is it redundant to say "purely voluntary"?
While "voluntary" already implies a lack of coercion, adding "purely" emphasizes the complete absence of any pressure or obligation. It can be useful for clarity, especially when addressing potential concerns about implied expectations.
What does "purely voluntary" mean in the context of research studies?
In research, "purely voluntary" means that participants are not required to take part, and they can withdraw at any time without penalty. This ensures ethical research practices and protects the rights of individuals involved.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested