Directly vs We go mano a mano

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Directly

Top 2,000 (common) B1 adverb

We go mano a mano

Informal Beyond 10,000 (less common)

Most formal: Directly Most common: Directly

	Directly	We go mano a mano
Pronunciation	🇬🇧 /["/dəˈrektli//daɪˈrektli/"]/ 🇺🇸 /["/dəˈrektli//daɪˈrektli/"]/	🇬🇧 //ˈmeɪnəʊ ə ˈmeɪnəʊ// 🇺🇸 //ˈmeɪnoʊ ə ˈmeɪnoʊ//
Meaning	In a straight manner or with no delays.	We compete directly against each other.
Example	I will directly address your concerns during the meeting.	In the championship, we go mano a mano to determine the best player.
Register	Neutral	Informal
How common	Top 2,000 (common)	Beyond 10,000 (less common)
CEFR level	B1	-
Part of speech	adverb
Collocations	speak directly, respond directly, move directly, address directly, contact directly	go mano a mano, compete mano a mano, face off mano a mano
Antonyms	indirectly, circuitously	-
Common mistakes	Using 'directly' incorrectly with indirect objects., Confusing 'directly' with 'indirectly'., Overusing 'directly' in contexts where it is not needed.	Misused in formal contexts where a more serious tone is needed., Confused with 'one-on-one', which can imply different types of interaction.
Usage notes	Use 'directly' to emphasize straightforward communication or action. It fits well in both casual and professional conversations, but avoid it in overly emotional language.	Use when referring to direct competition or confrontation, often in sports or debates. Best in casual contexts.

See it in real clips

Chill them niggers out and wait for the cavalry, which should be coming directly."

Breaking Bad › S1 E5

said they usually bill the insurance company directly.

Bit me directly in the buttocks.

Chill them niggers out and wait for the cavalry, which should be coming directly."

Breaking Bad › S1 E5

said they usually bill the insurance company directly.

Directly

Better Call Saul › S1 E1

Now, I'm Mrs. K's white knight. We go mano a mano.

We go mano a mano

Frequently asked questions: Directly vs We go mano a mano

What's the difference between Directly and We go mano a mano?

Directly: In a straight manner or with no delays. We go mano a mano: We compete directly against each other.

Which is more formal: Directly and We go mano a mano?

Directly is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Directly and We go mano a mano?

Directly is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Directly: I will directly address your concerns during the meeting. We go mano a mano: In the championship, we go mano a mano to determine the best player.

Can I use Directly and We go mano a mano interchangeably?

Not always. Directly and We go mano a mano are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.