to live alone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to live alone" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of residing independently without roommates or family members. Example: "After years of sharing an apartment, I finally decided to live alone and enjoy my own space."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"To live alone.

The New York Times

"It is not good to live alone".

The New York Times

She wanted to live alone.

The New York Times

She preferred to live alone.

The New York Times

And they're more apt to live alone.

The New York Times

Amis wasn't designed to live alone.

The New York Times - Books

"I don't want to live alone.

The New York Times

I mean, I'm 16, I don't want to live alone.

The New York Times

"I don't want to live alone," Toshi said.

The New York Times

Maybe you want your Sim to live alone.

The New York Times - Arts

"I refuse to live alone," Ms. Dickson said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to live alone" to simply state the fact of residing without others, but select alternatives to emphasize specific aspects like choice, self-reliance, or isolation when appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "to live alone" in every situation. Sometimes, it's important to specify the reason for living alone, such as "to focus on work" or "due to personal preference". Always make sure context of the situation is clearly stated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to live alone" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as a complement or adverbial modifier in a sentence. As Ludwig AI states, this is correct and usable in English. It describes the action of residing without others.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to live alone" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the state of residing without housemates or family. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usability. While it's commonly found in news and media, scientific articles, and encyclopedias, its register remains neutral. For richer expression, consider alternatives like "to live independently" or "to reside solo" to emphasize self-reliance or formality. When using "to live alone", ensure you provide adequate context to prevent misinterpretations and enrich communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to live independently

Emphasizes self-sufficiency and not relying on others.

to be on one's own

A common idiom for being independent and responsible for oneself.

to live without company

Directly states the absence of companions.

to reside solo

A more formal way to express living alone.

to live self-sufficiently

Focuses on being able to provide for oneself while living alone.

to dwell in solitude

Highlights the state of being alone and possibly enjoying it.

to live in isolation

Implies a more extreme form of living alone, possibly due to circumstances.

to exist apart

Suggests a separation from others, emphasizing physical distance.

to keep house oneself

Focuses on managing a household without assistance.

to be a lone dweller

Describes someone who lives alone as a defining characteristic.

FAQs

What does it mean "to live alone"?

The phrase "to live alone" refers to residing in a dwelling without any roommates, family members, or other individuals. It signifies independence and self-sufficiency in managing one's living space and daily life.

Is it grammatically correct to say "to live alone"?

Yes, "to live alone" is grammatically correct. The verb "live" can be paired with the adverb "alone" to describe the state of residing without others.

What are some alternatives to "to live alone"?

You can use alternatives like "to live independently", "to reside solo", or "to dwell in solitude" depending on the context you want to emphasize.

How does the choice "to live alone" impact one's social life?

Living alone can provide privacy and autonomy, but it may also require a more conscious effort to maintain social connections. Some people thrive in solitude, while others may experience loneliness. It depends on individual preferences and lifestyle choices.