What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lone
Example
The lone wolf howled at the moon. [lone: adjective]
Example
There was a lone tree in the middle of the field. [lone: adjective]
Example
He took a lone walk in the park. [lone: adjective]
lonely
Example
She felt lonely after her friends left. [lonely: adjective]
Example
The house felt lonely without any furniture. [lonely: adjective]
Example
He joined a club to avoid feeling lonely. [lonely: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lonely is more commonly used than lone in everyday language. Lonely is a common feeling that many people experience, while lone is less common and refers to a person, animal, or object that is alone or solitary.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lone and lonely?
Both lone and lonely can be used in formal and informal contexts, but lone is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts, while lonely is more commonly used in informal contexts.
