What is independently? Pronunciation and usage in English

independently means . Learn how to pronounce and use independently through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of independently

independentlyadverb

/ˌɪndɪˈpɛnd(ə)ntli/
Definition & pronunciation of independently

Okay, pronouncing "independently" can be tricky! Here's a breakdown to help you, focusing on the most common and accepted pronunciation in American English:

1. Breakdown of the Word:

  • in- (as in "in" a box) - short "i" sound
  • de- (as in "bed") - short "e" sound
  • pen- (as in "pen") - "en" sound – very short and quick!
  • den- (as in "den") – "den" sound – also very short and quick!
  • tively (this is the tricky part) – rhymes with "relatively" but with a slightly lighter "t"

2. Syllable Breakdown & Pronunciation:

Most people pronounce it something like this:

  • in-de-PEN-den-tively

Let's break it down further:

  • in-: /ɪn/ (like "in" in "in a box")
  • de-: /di/ (like "die")
  • PEN-: /pen/ (like "pen" in "pen") – This syllable is emphasized.
  • den-: /den/ (like "den") – This syllable is also emphasized, and spoken quickly after "pen."
  • tively: /tɪvli/ (think of the word "relatively" and mentally remove the "al" – it’s a soft "t" followed by "i" and "v" and “li”)

3. Tips for Success:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the second syllable: PEN-.
  • Quick Transition: The "den" syllable happens very quickly after "pen." Don't draw it out.
  • "tively" Sound: Listen to how native speakers pronounce "tively" - it’s not a hard "t" sound like in "top." It's softer almost like a "t" followed by a very quick "i-v-li" sound.
  • Practice: Record yourself saying it and compare it to recordings of native English speakers. You can find many examples on YouTube (search for "how to pronounce independently").

Resources for Hearing It:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word independently in English

Let's break down how to use the word "independently" in English. It's a versatile word that essentially means "on one's own" or "without relying on others." Here's a detailed guide with examples:

1. Basic Meaning & Usage:

  • As an adverb: This is the most common usage. It describes how something is done – doing it alone, without help.
    • Example: "The children worked independently on their art projects." (They didn’t help each other.)
    • Example: "She completed the report independently, researching and writing it herself." (She didn't have anyone to assist her.)

2. Key Phrases and Contexts:

  • “Independently of…” / “Independently from…”: This introduces a factor that is separate or distinct from another.

    • Example: "The success of the project is independently of the company's overall performance." (It's not influenced by the company's general situation.)
    • Example: "His opinion was independently from ours." (His opinion formed without being based on what we thought.)

  • “Independently developed…” / “Independently created…”: This indicates something was made or devised without external guidance.

    • Example: “The software was independently developed by a small team.”
    • Example: "The artist independently created this stunning sculpture."

  • “Independently funded…”: Refers to something being supported without needing money from an outside source.

    • Example: “The research was independently funded by a private foundation.”

  • “To think/act independently”: This describes being self-reliant, having one's own thoughts and opinions, and not following others blindly.

    • Example: "It's important for young people to learn to think independently."
    • Example: "She always acts independently and makes her own decisions."

3. Similar Words & When to Use Them:

  • Alone: This is often interchangeable with "independently," but "alone" emphasizes the state of being by oneself.

    • Example: "I worked alone on the project." (Focus is on the activity being done by one person)
    • Example: "She felt alone in the crowd." (Focus is on the feeling of isolation)

  • Self-sufficiently: This implies having enough resources or skills to be completely independent.

    • Example: “He became self-sufficiently after moving to a new country.”

  • Autonomously: Similar to “independently,” but often used in technical or scientific contexts to describe processes or systems operating without external control.

4. Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Overuse: "Independently" can sound a little formal. Don't use it in every sentence where you mean "alone." Consider if "alone" or a different phrasing would be more natural.

  • Misusing as an adjective: It’s almost never used as an adjective (e.g., "an independent person"). It’s always an adverb.

5. Let's Practice!

Here are some sentences for you to try:

  1. "The students were asked to write their essays ______." (Answer: independently)
  2. "The company operates ______ from government regulations." (Answer: independently)
  3. "He learned to cook ______ after moving to Paris." (Answer: independently)
  4. “She defended her thesis ______.” (Answer: independently)

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Create a short exercise for you to practice?
  • Explain how "independently" is used in a specific context (e.g., business, education, psychology)?

Synonyms for the word independently

Practice with vocabulary independently

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The research assistant conducted the literature review ______ for the first phase of the project, taking full responsibility for the data collection.
  2. Employees are encouraged to work ______ on their assigned tasks, but also to seek help when necessary to avoid bottlenecks.
  3. The new manufacturing process significantly reduced waste, allowing the factory to operate more ______ and profitably.
  4. She managed to complete the entire complex report ______ before the deadline, surprising everyone with her speed and thoroughness.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Students are expected to think ______ and form their own conclusions, rather than simply repeating information from textbooks. A) collectively B) independently C) dependably D) subjectively

  2. Which of the following adverbs best describes someone who prefers to work without constant supervision and makes their own decisions? A) autonomously B) collaboratively C) independently D) obligatorily

  3. The project team decided to proceed ______ with the development phase after failing to secure external funding, relying solely on their internal resources. A) hesitantly B) cooperatively C) independently D) reciprocally

  4. Despite being part of a large department, Sarah always manages to complete her reports ______, often preferring to avoid group work on document drafting. A) collaboratively B) collectively C) individually D) mutually

  5. The manager emphasized that new hires should first understand the core processes ______ before attempting to innovate or suggest changes. A) thoroughly B) creatively C) spontaneously D) dependently

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: Without any external guidance, the intern completed the complex research task. Rewrite: The intern completed the complex research task ______.

  2. Original: The new policy empowers employees to make decisions for themselves, rather than waiting for management approval. Rewrite: The new policy encourages employees to make decisions ______.

  3. Original: The project team decided to handle all aspects of the development process within their own department, avoiding outsourcing. Rewrite: The project team decided to manage all aspects of the development process ______ within their own department.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. independently
  2. independently
  3. efficiently
  4. single-handedly

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) independently
  2. A) autonomously, C) independently
  3. C) independently
  4. C) individually
  5. A) thoroughly

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The intern completed the complex research task independently.
  2. The new policy encourages employees to make decisions independently.
  3. The project team decided to manage all aspects of the development process internally within their own department.

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