by oneself

Idioms and Phrases

Alone, unaccompanied; also, unassisted. For example, She enjoyed being by herself much of the time , or Brian can pick up his toys by himself . [c. a.d. 1000]

Example Sentences

To be lonely was to be only by oneself.

From Salon

She may well be doing just fine on her own for all we know - although it is trickier to dance by oneself.

From BBC

“I recognize the challenge and pride in composing a good image, and there is an added level of pride when that shot is completely executed by oneself, of oneself,” said Eric Guth, a freelance photographer and instructor aboard Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic vessels.

From Washington Post

The new study’s county-level resolution can help make clear that decisions made by oneself and one’s neighbors — not an influx of outsiders — are the cause of local spread.

From Los Angeles Times

By the 18th and 19th centuries, though, the idea of reading silently by oneself had become more common, though not always socially acceptable.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• alone
• away
• out
• separately