A21K

Alone

UK /["/əˈləʊn/"]/US /["/əˈləʊn/"]/

Definition

without any other people

In simple words: by yourself; not with anyone else

Examples

  • I like to spend some time alone to think about my day.
  • She felt alone in the crowded room, like nobody understood her.
  • He decided to travel alone to discover new places by himself.
  • Even though he was alone, he enjoyed his own company.
  • They left her alone in the house while they went out for dinner.

Usage notes

Use 'alone' when referring to a state of being by oneself. It can be used positively (enjoying solitude) or negatively (feeling lonely). Avoid using it in overly formal contexts where 'solitary' might be preferred.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'a lone wolf' — a wolf all by itself.

Collocations

  • be
  • sit
  • stand
  • very much
  • all
  • completely
  • with
  • be
  • sit
  • stand
  • very much
  • all
  • completely
  • with
  • be
  • sit
  • stand
  • very much
  • all
  • completely
  • with

Synonyms

  • solitary
  • single
  • by oneself
  • unaccompanied
  • isolated

Antonyms

  • together
  • accompanied
  • with others

Common mistakes

  • 'alone' vs 'lonely', confused when feeling lonely
  • Using 'aloneness' as a noun incorrectly
  • Saying 'I am alone' when needing to report being safe; prefer 'I am okay.'