solitarily

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "solitarily" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action done alone or in isolation, often emphasizing the state of being solitary. Example: "He chose to live solitarily in the mountains, away from the hustle and bustle of city life."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Schooling evidently provides a better chance for small fish to survive many environmental hazards than if they live solitarily.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hornbills and wood hoopoes move about in small parties most of the year, but they nest solitarily.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Several other species of hornbills occasionally forage solitarily on the ground.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They live solitarily in tubes and holes.

The New York Times

Soon this private world of solitarily experienced, silently swallowed incidents erupts into the sphere of public event and global notice.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Binge watching doesn't give me any of that when I partake either solitarily or with a group.

The Guardian - Opinion

The fact that our county executive was able to take time from trimming fat from his proposed $1.4 billion budget and the sizable tax increase it will bring to ascertain that I had a home office and spent the majority of my hours solitarily in front of a computer was a testament to true public service.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "solitarily" to emphasize a deliberate or chosen state of being alone, particularly when describing actions or habits. This adds a layer of intentionality beyond simply being "alone".

Common error

Don't overuse "solitarily" when simpler words like "alone" or "privately" would suffice. "Solitarily" can sound overly formal or affected in casual contexts. Choose the word that best fits the tone and clarity of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "solitarily" modifies verbs to describe actions performed alone. As Ludwig AI indicates, the word is considered grammatically correct. It functions to specify how an action is carried out, emphasizing the absence of others.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

43%

News & Media

43%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "solitarily" is a grammatically sound adverb used to describe actions performed alone. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and it appears in contexts such as encyclopedias and news media. While alternatives like "alone" exist, "solitarily" provides a more nuanced emphasis on intentional isolation. While appropriate for formal writing, it's essential to avoid overuse in casual contexts where simpler alternatives might suffice. The best practice is to leverage its unique emphasis when highlighting deliberate or chosen solitude.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alone

Replaces the adverb with a simpler, more common adverb.

in solitude

Replaces the adverb with a prepositional phrase expressing a state of being alone.

by oneself

Uses a reflexive pronoun to emphasize the lack of company.

in isolation

Emphasizes the state of being separated from others.

without company

Directly states the absence of companionship.

on one's own

Highlights self-reliance and independence.

separately

Implies a deliberate choice to be apart.

single-handedly

Focuses on performing an action alone, without assistance.

in a secluded manner

Emphasizes the privacy and remoteness of the action.

privately

Highlights the personal and non-public nature of the action.

FAQs

How do you use "solitarily" in a sentence?

"Solitarily" is typically used as an adverb to describe an action done alone. For example, "He chose to live "solitarily" in the mountains" or "The bird forages "solitarily" on the ground."

What can I say instead of "solitarily"?

You can use alternatives like "alone", "in solitude", or "by oneself" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "living solitarily"?

Yes, "living "solitarily"" is grammatically correct. It means to live alone or in a solitary manner. For example: "They live "solitarily" in tubes and holes."

What is the difference between "solitarily" and "lonely"?

"Solitarily" describes the state of being physically alone. "Lonely" describes the emotional state of feeling sad or isolated due to a lack of companionship, regardless of whether one is physically alone or not.