Uses of ‘Alone’, ‘Lonely’ and ‘Lone’
Uses and differences between alone, lonely, lone;
Alone, and on your own/by yourself (which are less formal and are the normal phrases used in spoken English), describe a person or thing that is separate from others. They do not mean that the person is unhappy. Examples;
– I like being alone in the house.
– I’m going to London by myself next week.
– i want to finish this on my own (= without anyone’s help).
Lone/solitary/single mean that there is only one person or thing there; lone and solitary may sometimes suggest that the speaker thinks the person involved is lonely. Examples;
– a lone jogger in the park
– long, solitary walks
Lonely (North American English also lonesome) means that you are alone and sad. Examples;
– A lonely child
– Sam was very lonely when he first moved to New York.
– She gets lonely now that all the kids have left home.
It can also describe places or activities that make you feel lonely:
– a lonely house
