English Reference
Adverb

independently

adv. manner
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˌɪndɪˈpɛndəntɫi/ UK /ˌɪndɪpˈɛndəntli/ in·de·pen·dent·ly

adv.without help or control from other people. You use this when you do something on your own or make your own decisions.

adv.in a manner that is free from outside control or influence; autonomously. Often describes actions performed without financial or logistical support from others.


SIMPLE

She finished the difficult project independently.

CONTEXTUAL

The two researchers worked independently on the same problem before comparing their results at the end of the month.

COMPLEX

Although the department is part of the larger university, it operates independently, managing its own budget and hiring its own staff without oversight from the central administration.

Usage

Typically placed after the verb or at the end of the clause to describe how an action is performed.

Pitfall
He lives independent.He lives independently.

Learners often use the adjective 'independent' when the adverbial form 'independently' is required to modify the verb.

Usage independently verified · independently verify · independently by senior

There is no independently verified count of how many women have been excluded.

Al Jazeera· 15 Aug 2026

For people who have lived their lives independently and able-bodied, the slip into dependency can be hard to accept.

The Guardian· 4 Aug 2026

Common in science writing


From independent + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated