remain alone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'remain alone' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as an intransitive verb, and can be used to describe a person or thing that is isolated or not accompanied by others. For example: "He chose to remain alone rather than be with a group of people he didn't know."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We struggle to support elderly parents and grandparents who find themselves living alone after losing a spouse, but we are puzzled if they tell us they prefer to remain alone.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Or remain alone and talk to yourself.

The New Yorker

I remain alone, but unbowed, in my annoyance.

The New York Times

But the cerebral cortex's glutamatergic neurons don't remain alone for long.

Stanford University

However, those certain people remain alone in their rightness, because the Ramones were never particularly popular.

The New York Times - Magazine

Some of the men will remain alone for years, perhaps their whole lives.

The New Yorker

Until I fell, I never understood exactly why men were so loath to remain alone.

The New York Times

She would like to remain alone, chaste, dedicated to the forest and the hunt, like the virgin Diana.

The New Yorker

I wave to one barking dog and two nameless neighbors shoveling their walks, but remain alone in my motion.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Johnson would remain alone.

The New Yorker

"How will we remain alone?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a conscious decision to be alone, use "remain alone" to emphasize the deliberate choice, contrasting it with forced isolation.

Common error

Avoid using "remain alone" when describing temporary or circumstantial aloneness; it often implies a longer-term state or intention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remain alone" primarily functions as an intransitive verb phrase. It describes the state of being solitary or isolated. The examples provided by Ludwig AI demonstrate its usage in various contexts, indicating a deliberate choice or a circumstantial situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

13%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "remain alone" is a versatile expression used to describe a state of solitude or isolation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While seemingly simple, it conveys a depth of meaning, suggesting a deliberate choice, an imposed circumstance, or an enduring state. Alternatives such as "stay solitary" or "be by oneself" offer similar meanings, but "remain alone" often emphasizes the continuation of that solitary state. When writing, consider the subtle connotations to accurately portray the intended message and prevent misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be by oneself

A simple and direct way of saying "remain alone".

stay solitary

Emphasizes the state of being by oneself, choosing to be alone.

live in solitude

Focuses on living a life characterized by being alone.

keep to oneself

Highlights the act of avoiding social interaction and staying private.

remain isolated

Stresses the state of being separated from others, either physically or emotionally.

exist in isolation

Emphasizes the state of existing without social contact.

stay apart

Suggests maintaining distance from others, not necessarily physical.

keep one's own company

Suggests finding satisfaction and contentment in being alone.

live apart from others

Highlights physical separation from other people.

maintain independence

Focuses on self-reliance and not depending on others, often implying being alone.

FAQs

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

You can use "remain alone" to describe a state of being solitary or isolated. For example, "After the argument, she chose to "remain alone" in her room".

What is a good alternative to "remain alone"?

Alternatives to "remain alone" include "stay solitary", "be by oneself", or "live in solitude", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "remain alone" or "stay alone"?

"Remain alone" suggests a more permanent or intentional choice, while "stay alone" can imply a temporary situation. The best choice depends on the context.

What does it mean to "remain alone"?

To ""remain alone"" means to continue being in a state of solitude or isolation, often by choice or circumstance.