Word
individually
Phoneticsin·di·vid·u·al·ly
US/ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒəɫi/
UK/ˌɪndɪvˈɪdʒuːəli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. one by one, rather than as a group. You use this when you want to focus on each person or thing separately.
adv. separately and distinctly from others in a group. Often used to emphasize the specific attention given to each constituent part of a whole.
Examples
“The teacher spoke to each student individually.”
“The chocolates are wrapped individually to ensure they stay fresh and do not stick together in the box.”
“While the team functions as a cohesive unit, each member is individually responsible for maintaining their own equipment and documenting their specific contributions to the project.”
Examples
simple
“The teacher spoke to each student individually.”
contextual
“The chocolates are wrapped individually to ensure they stay fresh and do not stick together in the box.”
complex
“While the team functions as a cohesive unit, each member is individually responsible for maintaining their own equipment and documenting their specific contributions to the project.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “individually” in context.
Verb
01. individually consider
“The committee will individually consider every application before making a final decision.”
adv + verb
02. individually test
“Each component is individually tested to ensure it meets safety standards.”
adv + verb
Usage
Typically placed after the verb or at the end of the clause to modify the action.
Pitfall
They arrived individual
They arrived individually
Learners often use the adjective 'individual' when the adverbial form 'individually' is required to describe how an action is performed.
Real-World Examples
“If you decide to switch you don't need to worry about individually transferring over every direct debit or bills payment, thanks to the free Current Account Switch Service (CASS).” “All three approaches had been tested individually before, but none had succeeded in permanently clearing the virus.” “The only way to load them into the TPM of a new device would be to re-create each one individually.” Etymology
From individual + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/individually