sitting alone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sitting alone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is by themselves, without company, in a particular setting or situation. Example: "After the party ended, I found her sitting alone in the corner, lost in thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If someone you know is sitting alone sit with them and get to know them more.

WikiHow

Sit with someone who is sitting alone.

Huffington Post

His father was still there, sitting alone.

The New Yorker

Now he is sitting alone, quietly unapproachable.

The New Yorker

You are sitting alone in a studio.

The New Yorker

Dolores was left sitting alone.

The New Yorker

Mostly, they look like men sitting alone.

The New York Times

A young woman was sitting alone in the living room.

The New Yorker

There was, however, a man sitting alone at the bar.

The New York Times

He was sitting alone in a corner of a tent.

The New Yorker

Jones was sitting alone at the bar at Elaine's.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sitting alone" to clearly depict a person's physical state of being unaccompanied while seated. This phrase is useful when highlighting the character's solitude, reflection, or vulnerability in a narrative.

Common error

Avoid automatically associating "sitting alone" with negative emotions like loneliness or sadness. While it can imply solitude, the person might be perfectly content or engaged in introspection. The context should guide the interpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sitting alone" functions as a descriptive verb phrase. It combines a present participle ("sitting") with an adverb ("alone") to describe the state or action of being seated without company. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sitting alone" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that effectively describes the state of being solitary while seated. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent appearance across diverse sources, notably in News & Media and Wiki contexts. When using this phrase, remember that while it describes solitude, it doesn't automatically imply negative emotions; the context should provide further clues. Consider using alternatives like "seated by oneself" or "sitting in solitude" for nuanced variations. Avoid assuming loneliness and consider the context before making assumptions. Overall, "sitting alone" is a versatile and reliable phrase for portraying solitude in a seated position.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seated by oneself

Emphasizes the physical position and the lack of company.

sitting in solitude

Highlights the state of being alone and perhaps enjoying the quiet.

sitting unaccompanied

Focuses on the absence of anyone joining or accompanying the person.

by oneself at the table

More specific, indicating being alone at a dining surface.

lonely seated

Highlights the potential feeling of loneliness while sitting.

sitting without company

Directly states the lack of anyone else present.

solitary sitting

Emphasizes the act of sitting in a solitary manner.

at a table alone

Simple and direct description of being alone at a table.

sitting in isolation

Suggests a more profound sense of being cut off from others.

unattended seated

Focuses on the lack of attention or assistance while being seated.

FAQs

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

You can use "sitting alone" to describe someone who is physically by themselves while seated, such as "She was "sitting alone" at the cafe, reading a book".

What are some alternatives to "sitting alone"?

Some alternatives include "seated by oneself", "sitting in solitude", or "sitting unaccompanied" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always negative to describe someone as "sitting alone"?

No, "sitting alone" doesn't necessarily imply a negative situation. It can simply describe a physical state of being unaccompanied, which might be intentional or even enjoyable for the person.

How does "sitting alone" differ from "standing alone"?

"Sitting alone" specifically refers to someone being unaccompanied while seated, while "standing alone" refers to someone being unaccompanied while standing. The key difference is the physical posture.