What is jointly? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of jointly

jointlyadverb

/ˈdʒɔɪntli/
Definition & pronunciation of jointly

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "jointly." It's a tricky one for many English speakers! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllable Breakdown:

  • Joint: Pronounced like "yo int" – think of "yo" as in "yonder," and "int" as in "intent."
  • ly: Pronounced like "lee" – as in the letter "L".

2. Putting it Together:

The whole word should sound like: "yo int lee"

3. Key Sounds & Tips:

  • "Yo" sound: This isn't like "yote" or "yo-yo." It's a short, quick "yo" sound, like the beginning of "yonder." It's a bit of a challenging vowel for many.
  • "Int" sound: This is similar to "intent," but slightly shorter and more clipped.
  • "Lee" sound: A clear, simple "L" sound.

4. Listen to Examples:

It's highly recommended to hear it pronounced. Here are some resources:

In short: "yo int lee" Practice saying it slowly and focus on getting the "yo" sound right.

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you some additional practice words with similar sounds?

Usage and examples with the word jointly in English

Let's break down how to use the word "jointly." It's a slightly more formal word than "together" and it carries a specific nuance about shared responsibility or action.

1. Meaning of "Jointly"

"Jointly" means in combination or cooperation between two or more parties. It emphasizes that something is being done or created by multiple individuals or entities working together. It’s about a shared effort, not just happening at the same time.

2. How to Use It - Examples

Here’s how you can use “jointly” in sentences, with different contexts:

  • Collaboration/Partnership: "The two companies will operate jointly to develop the new product." (Meaning they're working together to create it.)
  • Legal Agreements: “The landowners agreed jointly to sell the property.” (Meaning they sold it as a single unit, with both parties involved.)
  • Responsibility: “The parent and teacher will address the student's behavior jointly.” (Meaning they’re working together to help the student.)
  • Planning/Decision-Making: "The government and the local council will plan the redevelopment jointly." (They’re collaborating on the project.)
  • Ownership/Investment: “The investors contributed jointly to the venture.” (They all pooled their resources.)
  • Research: “The researchers conducted the study jointly.” (They worked together on the research project.)

3. "Jointly" vs. "Together"

It's helpful to contrast "jointly" with "together":

  • "Together" simply means in the same place or at the same time. ("They studied together.")
  • "Jointly" implies a more active and coordinated collaboration. ("They worked jointly on the presentation.")

4. Grammatical Notes

  • Adverb: "Jointly" is an adverb. This means it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. (e.g., "They discussed it jointly.")
  • It can be followed by "with": “They collaborated jointly with the research team.” (This reinforces the idea of combined action.)

5. When Not to Use It

"Jointly" isn't appropriate in all situations. It’s best suited for formal writing and situations where you want to highlight a shared effort or responsibility. For more casual contexts, "together," "with," or other words like "collaboratively" might be better.

Resources for Further Learning:

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  • Give you more examples in a specific context (e.g., business, legal, academic)?
  • Help you understand how “jointly” compares to other words like “collaboratively”?

Synonyms for the word jointly

Practice with vocabulary jointly

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The two government agencies decided to work ______ on the complex urban development project.
  2. Each member of the team was expected to submit their reports ______, without any consultation with others.
  3. The board of directors discussed the annual budget ______ before reaching a final consensus.
  4. Funding for the cross-cultural exchange program was provided ______ by a private foundation and the university.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words could appropriately complete the sentence: "The two departments worked ______ to achieve their shared objectives." a) jointly b) collaboratively c) independently d) individually e) in tandem

  2. The profits from the successful venture were distributed ______ among all partners according to their investment. a) jointly b) equally c) proportionally d) solely e) concurrently

  3. The international treaty was signed ______ by representatives from both nations after months of negotiation. a) jointly b) separately c) mutually d) collectively e) reciprocally

  4. To ensure all aspects of the experiment were covered, each researcher was tasked with examining a specific variable ______. a) simultaneously b) concurrently c) individually d) independently e) jointly

  5. The responsibility for the success of the project was held ______ by the entire management team. a) jointly b) collectively c) solely d) individually e) together

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The two research institutions worked together to publish the groundbreaking study. (Rewrite using "jointly" or a related word form.)
  2. The committee members share the task of organizing the annual conference. (Rewrite using "jointly" or a related word form.)
  3. The decision was made by agreement between the two warring factions. (Rewrite without using "jointly" or its related forms.)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The two government agencies decided to work jointly on the complex urban development project.
  2. Each member of the team was expected to submit their reports individually, without any consultation with others.
  3. The board of directors discussed the annual budget collectively before reaching a final consensus.
  4. Funding for the cross-cultural exchange program was provided jointly by a private foundation and the university.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) jointly, b) collaboratively, e) in tandem
  2. b) equally, c) proportionally
  3. a) jointly, d) collectively
  4. c) individually, d) independently
  5. a) jointly, b) collectively, e) together

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The two research institutions jointly published the groundbreaking study. or The groundbreaking study was jointly published by the two research institutions.
  2. The committee members are jointly responsible for organizing the annual conference. or The annual conference is jointly organized by the committee members.
  3. The decision was mutually agreed upon by the two warring factions. or The two warring factions reached a mutual agreement on the decision.

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