working solo

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "working solo" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is performing a task or activity independently, without assistance from others. Example: "I prefer working solo on this project to maintain my focus and creativity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Mr. Philbin is not working solo on "Crowd".

The New York Times - Arts

Does she ever worry about working solo in this way?

The Guardian - Books

And she is famous for working solo in her studio, without assistants.

The New York Times - Arts

A decade later, after their business had grown, Mr. Powell returned to working solo.

The New York Times - Arts

And two smaller advisers – including a star deal maker working solo – are expected to benefit as well.

The New York Times

Gilford is equally at ease orchestrating large groups of people, say, directing videos for Casey Spooner or Robyn, as he is working solo.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

The concerts are all solo performances, but almost all the five musicians involved have already developed a working solo-piano concept that's quite different from what they play with their bands.

The New York Times - Arts

Arthur Longo of France and Queralt Castellet of Spain worked solo and in furious bursts.

The New York Times - Sports

Even with digital equipment that now allows directors to work solo, partnerships still abound.

The New York Times

How do you judge what works together and what works solo?

The Guardian

Other industry sources said that lorry drivers and taxi drivers worked solo, too.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "working solo" when you want to emphasize the act of performing a task or activity without direct assistance from others. For example, "She enjoys "working solo" on her art projects because it allows her complete creative control."

Common error

Avoid implying that "working solo" is necessarily negative or isolating. While it indicates independence, it doesn't inherently mean a lack of collaboration or support. For example, a freelancer "working solo" may still collaborate with clients and other professionals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "working solo" functions as a verb phrase describing the manner in which someone performs their work. It is often used to emphasize the independent nature of the work, as demonstrated in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Arts

4%

Sports

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "working solo" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe performing tasks independently. Ludwig AI analysis shows that it is frequently used in News & Media contexts, as well as scientific and business settings. While similar to "working alone", it often suggests a choice or capability for independent work. When using the phrase, ensure you are highlighting the independent nature of the work without necessarily implying isolation. Alternatives include "working independently" or "operating alone". Be aware of potential misinterpretations, and tailor your usage to fit the intended context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

working independently

Emphasizes autonomy and self-reliance in performing tasks.

operating alone

Focuses on the absence of collaborators or partners in an activity.

performing individually

Highlights the singular nature of a performance or action.

undertaking single-handedly

Stresses the effort and resourcefulness required to complete a task without assistance.

functioning autonomously

Implies self-governance and independence in operation.

doing it by oneself

An informal expression emphasizing self-reliance.

going it alone

Suggests a deliberate choice to avoid collaboration, often implying risk or challenge.

being a lone wolf

Metaphorically describes someone who prefers solitude and independence.

flying solo

An idiomatic expression emphasizing independence and capability.

being self-employed

Focuses on the employment status of working independently as a freelancer or business owner.

FAQs

What does "working solo" mean?

The phrase "working solo" describes the act of performing a job or task independently, without a team or partner. It emphasizes autonomy and self-reliance in the work process.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "working solo"?

It's appropriate to use "working solo" when you want to highlight the independent nature of someone's work or activities. This could be in a professional context, a creative endeavor, or any situation where someone is operating without direct assistance.

What are some alternatives to "working solo"?

You can use alternatives like "working independently", "operating alone", or "performing individually" to convey a similar meaning.

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

While similar, "working solo" often implies a choice or preference for independence, whereas "working alone" might simply describe a circumstance. "Working solo" can also suggest a level of expertise or self-sufficiency.