What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
solo
Example
She played a beautiful solo on her violin. [solo: noun]
Example
He decided to go on a solo trip to Europe. [solo: adjective]
alone
Example
I prefer to be alone when I'm studying. [alone: adverb]
Example
She felt alone and isolated in the new city. [alone: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Alone is more commonly used than solo in everyday language. Alone is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while solo is less common and refers to specific situations such as music or performance.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between solo and alone?
Both solo and alone can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but solo may be more appropriate in formal settings where music or performance is being discussed.