that stands alone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that stands alone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is independent or self-sufficient, often in a context where it is contrasted with something that is part of a larger whole. Example: "The concept of freedom is one that stands alone, separate from any political or social constraints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

The building is one of the few skyscrapers in the city that stands alone, with no other buildings beside it, and thus can be seen on all sides, free-standing.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is a (vile) body of work that stands alone in the annals of comedy.

The Guardian

(A complete sentence that stands alone in parentheses starts with a capital letter and ends with a stop).

The Guardian

That's because there's just no debating the status of his signature baseball moment, one that stands alone in 2014.

The Guardian - Sport

"Social media is not a tactic that stands alone from your advertising campaigns," said Chris Karl, a senior vice president at Kontera.

The New York Times

A group of large shareholders speaking as a common voice has much more chance of getting its way than an investor that stands alone.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Mr Cameron went on: "Was it an abusive relationship that stood alone against Nazi Germany?

Independent

Some artists present flowers that stand alone without benefit of garden or vase.

The New York Times

"Ours is a commitment to publishing excellent Spanish-language newspapers that stand alone".

The New York Times

We stayed in a wooden cabin that stood alone by the shore and was painted the brown of withered leaves.

The New Yorker

"Sleep disturbances and suicidal ideation are both symptoms of depression, making it critical to disentangle these relationships and evaluate factors that stand alone to predict risk," Bernert said.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that stands alone" to emphasize the unique or independent nature of a subject, particularly when contrasting it with other elements or entities. This can strengthen your argument or description by highlighting what makes the subject distinct.

Common error

Avoid using "that stands alone" in situations where the independence or uniqueness of the subject is already implicitly clear. Redundancy can weaken the impact of the phrase and make your writing seem less concise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that stands alone" functions as a relative clause modifying a noun or pronoun. As Ludwig AI shows, it describes something distinct or independent. It emphasizes the subject's unique position or character.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

21%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that stands alone" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the unique, independent, or isolated nature of a subject. As Ludwig AI indicates, it functions as a relative clause and is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse and redundancy to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "that is independent" or "that is unique" can be used depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey. The phrase's consistent usage across authoritative sources reinforces its reliability and appropriateness in various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is independent

Emphasizes the quality of being free from external control or influence.

that is self-sufficient

Highlights the ability to provide for oneself without external assistance.

that is unique

Focuses on the distinct and unparalleled nature of something.

that is isolated

Suggests a state of being separate and detached from others.

that is unmatched

Implies that something has no equal in quality or achievement.

that is peerless

Similar to unmatched, but carries a slightly more formal tone.

that is unparalleled

Emphasizes the lack of any comparable example or instance.

that is singular

Highlights the exceptional or remarkable nature of something.

that is distinct

Focuses on the clearly defined and recognizable differences of something.

that is separate

Emphasizes the condition of not being connected or related.

FAQs

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

Use "that stands alone" to highlight the unique, independent, or isolated nature of a subject. For instance, "This architectural marvel is one "that stands alone" in its design and execution."

What are some alternatives to using "that stands alone"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "that is independent", "that is unique", or "that is self-sufficient" to convey a similar meaning. For example, instead of "a concept "that stands alone"", you might say "a concept "that is independent"".

Is it more appropriate to use "that stands alone" or "which stands alone"?

While both are grammatically correct, "that stands alone" is generally preferred in restrictive clauses (essential to the sentence's meaning), whereas "which stands alone" is used in non-restrictive clauses (adding extra information). However, in modern usage, "that" is often used in both cases.

Can "that stands alone" be used to describe abstract concepts or only physical objects?

"That stands alone" can be used to describe both abstract concepts and physical objects. For example, you can say "an idea "that stands alone" in its originality" (abstract) or "a building "that stands alone" on the hill" (physical).