# individually

/ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒəɫi/ (US) · /ˌɪndɪvˈɪdʒuːəli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/individually
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

one by one, rather than as a group. You use this when you want to focus on each person or thing separately.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "They arrived individual" but "They arrived individually" — Learners often use the adjective 'individual' when the adverbial form 'individually' is required to describe how an action is performed.

## Usage notes

- Typically placed after the verb or at the end of the clause to modify the action.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.