Word
independently
Phoneticsin·de·pen·dent·ly, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɪndɪˈpɛndəntɫi/
UK/ˌɪndɪpˈɛndəntli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
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.
Examples
“She finished the difficult project independently.”
“The two researchers worked independently on the same problem before comparing their results at the end of the month.”
“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.”
Examples
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.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “independently” in context.
Verb
01. independently act
“The committee members are expected to independently act on behalf of their constituents.”
adv + verb
02. independently conduct
“Graduate students are encouraged to independently conduct their own research projects.”
adv + verb
03. independently function
“After months of physical therapy, the patient is finally able to independently function in his daily life.”
adv + verb
04. independently verified
05. independently verify
06. independently by senior
07. independently evolved
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.
Real-World Examples
“There is no independently verified count of how many women have been excluded.” “For people who have lived their lives independently and able-bodied, the slip into dependency can be hard to accept.” Etymology
From independent + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/independently