solo

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "solo" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something done alone or without assistance, often in contexts like music, travel, or activities. Example: "She decided to travel solo to explore the city at her own pace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Music

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gomez and Badly Drawn Boy are past winners, and share a vaguely similar approach to songwriting, but in the past solo folk/indie songwriters haven't triumphed at the Mercuries.

The Guardian - Music

The song is taken off 9 Classic Tracks, Chadwick's follow-up to her 2012 debut solo album Eating for Two.

The Guardian - Music

Broadway star Idina Menzel and Will Young both beat off non-musical competition in their categories – best solo performance and best London newcomer respectively – as did jukebox musicals Taboo and American Idiot, voted off-West End and regional shows of the year.

The Guardian

Not far from the castle, Portuondo sits in a cafe, eating a croissant and reminiscing – about performing with Nat King Cole, and touring the world as a solo artist.

The Guardian - Music

I don't know, it's an immediate song; I don't expect people to pick up on anything beyond the "oh oh oh!" Your solo stuff has a very European sound.

The Guardian - Music

Maybe they thought that because you put out your first solo album in 2013.

The Guardian - Music

Smyth, who may or may not have just abruptly quit Madness (of which more later), has just finished recording his debut solo album, A Comfortable Man, a forensic account of the death of his 28-year relationship with his wife.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At the age of 14, while still at Compton junior college in California, she started a singing career, performing hillbilly songs with her father on the radio, and solo with touring bands.

The Guardian - Film

"It is a group effort, it is not a solo," he told the crowd in Jackson.

The Guardian

All this makes him quite the exception in Iganga, but across Uganda this young man is by no means a solo pioneer and his store is by no means unique.

The Guardian

The song had been planned as the first solo single for Boyzone's Stephen Gately.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In travel writing, "solo" effectively conveys the experience of traveling alone, emphasizing independence and self-discovery.

Common error

Avoid using "sole" when you mean "solo". "Sole" means 'only' or refers to the bottom of the foot, while "solo" means 'done alone' or refers to a single musical performance.

Linguistic Context

The word "solo" functions primarily as an adjective or a noun. As an adjective, it describes something done alone. As a noun, it refers to a performance by one person, particularly in music. Ludwig confirms its correct and versatile usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Music

25%

Travel

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "solo" is a versatile word that can function as an adjective or a noun, most often connoting activities performed alone or musical performances by a single person. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and widespread. Predominantly found in the contexts of News & Media and Music, the term is neutral in register, making it appropriate for various writing styles. While alternatives like "alone", "by oneself", and "independently" exist, "solo" carries a specific nuance that often emphasizes independence or individual skill. Ensure you don't confuse "solo" with "sole", which has a different meaning. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use the term "solo" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alone

A general term for being without others; the most direct synonym.

by oneself

Emphasizes the state of being alone, highlighting the absence of others.

on one's own

Highlights independence and self-reliance in performing an action.

single-handedly

Focuses on completing a task without assistance, emphasizing individual effort.

unaccompanied

Stresses the lack of a companion, often used in the context of travel or performance.

independently

Highlights the autonomy and self-sufficiency in carrying out an action.

unaided

Emphasizes the lack of external help or support.

solitary

Implies a preference for being alone, often suggesting seclusion.

flying solo

Idiomatic expression indicating doing something without assistance, often in a professional context.

in isolation

Emphasizes the separation from others, often used in scientific or medical contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "solo" in a sentence?

You can use "solo" to describe an activity done alone, like "She went on a "solo trip" to Europe". It can also describe a musical performance, as in "He played a guitar "solo performance"".

What are some alternatives to the word "solo"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "alone", "by oneself", or "independently".

Is it correct to say "travel solo" or "travel alone"?

Both "travel solo" and "travel alone" are correct. "Travel solo" has become increasingly common, especially in travel writing, while "travel alone" is a more traditional phrasing.

What's the difference between "solo" and "sole"?

"Solo" means 'alone' or 'single', often referring to a performance or activity done by one person. "Sole", on the other hand, means 'only' or refers to the bottom of the foot. For example: "He went on a solo journey" versus "He is the sole heir to the throne".