work independently

USAGE SUMMARY

"work independently" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that someone is working without outside help or guidance. For example, "John is a hard worker who can work independently without needing any assistance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But they sometimes work independently".

The Guardian

She has vowed to work "independently".

The New York Times

Ask questions but also be able to work independently.

The Guardian - Money

Instead they work independently with Mr. Herskovitz and Mr. Zwick.

The New York Times - Arts

Do you want to manage people or work independently?

The New York Times

Students are engaged and can work independently or collaboratively".

The New York Times

(The phrase, for your records, is "work independently").

The New York Times - Magazine

Buhari needs to democratise data access and make institutions work independently.

The Guardian

Can any institution be allowed to work independently of a self-perpetuating clique in the Kremlin?

The Guardian - Opinion

Its considers itself a global movement – with volunteers tending to work independently of the Philippines branch.

The Guardian

Students will work independently to determine which sources they will contact.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a job requirement, use "work independently" to clearly communicate the need for self-direction and minimal oversight.

Common error

Avoid using "work independently" when you actually mean "work in isolation". Independence implies autonomy and self-direction within a broader context, while isolation suggests a complete lack of interaction and support.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work independently" functions as a verb phrase, describing the manner in which someone performs their job or tasks. It modifies the verb "work", indicating that the action is performed autonomously. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

35%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "work independently" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes the ability to perform tasks autonomously and without direct supervision. As confirmed by Ludwig, its use spans various contexts including news, science, and business, making it a versatile phrase in professional and academic settings. The phrase conveys self-reliance and initiative, emphasizing an individual's capacity to manage their workload effectively. While often used interchangeably with phrases like "work alone", it's important to distinguish the element of autonomy that "work independently" specifically highlights.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

work autonomously

Replaces "independently" with a synonym emphasizing self-governance.

operate independently

Substitutes "work" with "operate" to denote a broader scope of action.

manage tasks independently

Emphasizes the independent management of tasks.

work without supervision

Specifies the absence of oversight as a key aspect of independent work.

function on one's own

Highlights self-reliance and the ability to perform tasks without external help.

act on one's own initiative

Focuses on taking independent action and showing initiative.

perform tasks solo

Uses "solo" to highlight the individual nature of the work.

undertake projects individually

Focuses on the individual undertaking of projects.

handle responsibilities single-handedly

Emphasizes the ability to manage tasks alone, without assistance.

work in isolation

Highlights the solitary aspect of the work.

FAQs

What does it mean to "work independently"?

To "work independently" means to perform tasks and fulfill responsibilities without needing constant supervision or assistance. It implies self-reliance, initiative, and the ability to manage one's own workload effectively.

What skills are needed to "work independently"?

Skills needed to "work independently" include time management, problem-solving, self-motivation, decision-making, and effective communication to seek help when truly necessary.

Is "working independently" the same as "working alone"?

While there's overlap, they aren't identical. "Working alone" refers to the physical or social aspect of not collaborating with others. To "work independently" emphasizes autonomy and self-direction, even if you're part of a team or interacting with colleagues. Consider alternatives like "work autonomously" or "function on one's own".

What are some synonyms for "work independently"?

Synonyms include "work autonomously", "work without supervision", or "manage tasks independently". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.