willingly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "willingly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action done voluntarily or without reluctance. Example: "She willingly agreed to help her friend with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Abbott has willingly handed over federal environmental assessment powers to a government who has openly stated that "we are in the coal business".

The Guardian

Nobody dies in the media business – indeed, nobody leaves their job willingly, which means that nobody should take it too seriously.

The Guardian

Miss Colita contestants willingly sign up for the segment – but also have to cope with Don Francisco's constant ogling and groping.

The Guardian - Opinion

The messy, contradictory energy of the yes movement has been harnessed - willingly - by the SNP's laser-guided election machine.

The Guardian

The Mill doesn't expect you to believe everything you read in the papers, or indeed in the Mill, so we ask you to willingly suspend your disbelief for this plot twist: Tom Cleverley is a man in demand, as Aston Villa AND Everton want him when he becomes a free agent this summer.

The Guardian - Sport

No one would willingly change places with him.

The Guardian

Je suis what I say je suis, I beat up queers and stole from churches; burglary became a religious rite, elevating me to poet of the underworld even as I willingly debased myself in pissoirs Rene jerked himself off in a café full of whores to calm himself down, before stabbing the Gypsy boy through the heart for a few sous.

The Guardian - Books

Vilma is a "granger" – a term I coined to describe the "grey anger" of those who won't willingly enter the people farms, who don't want to spend their retirement twiddling thumbs and perennially tapping little white balls into a hole in a patch of cultivated grass.

The Guardian - Opinion

As you doubtless know, this was once a one-party state, an autocracy ruled by Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop, less a website than a peek into a bizarro alternate universe, where the "inner aspect" is "nourished", children willingly eat flax oil for breakfast, and "bath salts for inner peace" can be had for a mere $78 £488) a packet.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Welbeck has been perhaps the definitive example of the forward-scuffler, the player who does everything, willingly, except perhaps what he really ought to be doing.

The Guardian - Sport

You can wag a finger at non-voters, telling them about the millions around the world who would willingly risk lives to evict dictators.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "willingly" to emphasize that an action is performed without any external pressure or coercion. This is particularly effective when contrasting it with situations where force or obligation might be expected.

Common error

While "willingly" indicates a lack of reluctance, it doesn't always convey strong enthusiasm. For scenarios requiring emphasis on positive feelings or eagerness, consider using alternatives like "gladly" or "eagerly" to ensure you accurately reflect the intended emotion.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "willingly" modifies verbs, adverbs, or adjectives to indicate that an action is performed voluntarily and without any reluctance. It emphasizes the absence of force or coercion, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "willingly" is a versatile adverb indicating voluntary action without reluctance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. The most common usage appears in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science, highlighting its suitability for diverse writing styles. Remember that while generally neutral, alternate terms may better convey enthusiasm or strong emotion. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the context to choose the most appropriate expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Voluntarily

Indicates acting by free choice, often in contrast to being forced or required.

Without reluctance

Focuses on the absence of unwillingness or resistance.

Gladly

Expresses a sense of happiness or pleasure in performing an action.

By free will

Underscores the autonomy and freedom of the actor's decision.

Of one's own accord

Implies acting on one's own initiative, often emphasizing independence from external influence. Slightly more formal.

Eagerly

Conveys a strong desire and anticipation in performing an action.

By choice

Emphasizes that the action was a deliberate selection from available options.

Readily

Suggests an eagerness and lack of hesitation in performing an action.

Cheerfully

Highlights the positive and enthusiastic manner in which an action is performed.

Spontaneously

Highlights the impulsive and unplanned nature of the action.

FAQs

How can I use "willingly" in a sentence?

The adverb "willingly" modifies verbs, indicating that an action is done voluntarily and without hesitation. For example, "She "willingly" accepted the challenge" shows she embraced it without reluctance.

What are some alternatives to "willingly"?

Depending on the nuance you wish to convey, you can use alternatives such as "voluntarily", "gladly", or "readily". Each offers a slightly different emphasis on the motivation behind the action.

Is it redundant to say someone "willingly volunteered"?

While "volunteered" already implies willingness, using "willingly volunteered" can emphasize the enthusiasm or lack of reservation in their offer. It's not always redundant, but consider whether the added emphasis is necessary for your context.

What's the difference between "willingly" and "eagerly"?

"Willingly" suggests a lack of reluctance, while "eagerly" implies a strong desire or enthusiasm. Someone might ""willingly"" help a friend move, but "eagerly" anticipate a vacation.