stands alone

USAGE SUMMARY

"stands alone" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not associated with or connected to anything else, or that is complete and independent. For example: "This house stands alone, surrounded by acres of land."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The moment always stands alone.

The New Yorker

But each story stands alone.

The New York Times - Books

Their adaptation stands alone.

The New York Times

The name stands alone.

The New York Times

"She stands alone.

The New York Times

Prosperity stands alone.

The New York Times

Hahuko now stands alone.

The Guardian - Sport

She still stands alone.

The Guardian - Music

London stands alone.

The Guardian - Opinion

Today, Saudi Arabia stands alone.

The Guardian - Sport

For now, however, Polgar stands alone.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stands alone" to emphasize the uniqueness or independence of a subject. For instance, "This research stands alone in its comprehensive approach."

Common error

Avoid using "stands alone" when you actually mean to compare something to something else. If you're drawing parallels, phrases like "is comparable to" or "is similar to" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stands alone" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often serving as a predicate that describes the subject's state of being independent, unique, or without equal. Ludwig examples showcase it describing physical objects, abstract concepts, and individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stands alone" is a versatile verb phrase used to convey the idea of independence, uniqueness, or lack of comparison. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in describing something distinct. With a neutral register, it is widely applicable across various contexts, especially in news and media, as well as scientific writing. When writing, use it to highlight distinctiveness, and avoid using it in comparative contexts, unless the semantic structure of your construction is valid for the reader. Remember, "stands alone" is all about emphasizing the unique qualities of a subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unparalleled

Focuses on the lack of comparison due to exceptional quality.

is in a league of its own

Emphasizes superiority and distinctiveness.

remains unmatched

Highlights the continued lack of any equal or superior entity.

is sui generis

A more formal way of saying something is unique and cannot be classified easily.

is without peer

Stresses the absence of equals in terms of status or quality.

exists independently

Highlights the self-sufficiency and lack of reliance on external factors.

is singular

Underscores the uniqueness and non-duplicability of something.

operates autonomously

Focuses on the independent functioning and decision-making ability.

is isolated

Emphasizes the separation and lack of connection to other entities.

is self-contained

Highlights the completeness and lack of need for external resources.

FAQs

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

You can use "stands alone" to describe something unique or independent. For example, "This building "stands alone" in its architectural design."

What does it mean when something "stands alone"?

When something ""stands alone"", it means it is unique, independent, or without comparison in a particular context.

Which is correct: "stands alone" or "stand alone"?

"Stands alone" is used when the subject is singular. "Stand alone" (without the 's') is used when the subject is plural. For example, "The company stands alone" versus "The components stand alone".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "stands alone"?

You can use alternatives such as "is unparalleled", "is in a league of its own", or "remains unmatched" depending on the context.