Acting independently

The idea

Independent describes someone able to act without relying on others. Use independent of to name what is not needed.

Examples

• She is independent and lives alone.
• He became independent after finding work.
• The independent student planned the trip alone.
• They want to be financially independent.
• The child is becoming more independent at school.
• We are independent of outside funding.

Watch out

Being independent does not mean refusing all help; it describes freedom from reliance.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the correct option. She manages her daily life without help. She is ___. (independent / dependent)

   Show answer or example answer

   independent

   Independent fits someone who manages without help.

2. Choose the correct option. The project is independent ___ government funding. (of / at)

   Show answer or example answer

   of

   Of introduces the support the project does not need.

3. Choose the correct option. After learning to cook, he became ___ independent. (more / most)

   Show answer or example answer

   more

   More compares the present level of independence with the past.

Use it today

Describe something you can do independently.