singly

singly — adverb

1. if something is done singly, each action or item is handled one after another in

1.adverbB2
Definition

if something is done singly, each action or item is handled one after another instead of together in a group — for example, taking questions singly instead of several at once, or placing items singly on a shelf.

Example

The teacher asked the students to come forward singly and collect their certificates.

Each item in the list was checked singly before being added to the final report.

passive: was checked singly (procedural context)

Common collocations
  • singly + deal with
  • singly + check
  • singly + take
  • singly + place
  • singly + approach
Synonyms
  • individually

    more common and neutral; 'singly' emphasises the sequential nature while 'individually' focuses on each separate unit

  • one by one

    more informal and conversational; interchangeable in most contexts

  • separately

    emphasises lack of a group rather than the order of handling

  • alone

    adds a sense of solitude or lack of company, which 'singly' does not carry

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

used as an adverb modifying the verb, describing how each action or item is handled

Usage Note

Most common with verbs that describe handling, checking, or dealing with items one after another. Frequently found in instructions, procedural writing, and formal descriptions.

Common Mistakes

Please take the medicine singly three times a day.
Please take one tablet three times a day.
'singly' means one at a time but does not specify dosage frequency; using 'one tablet' is clearer for medication instructions.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

All four words describe handling items without combining them, but the emphasis differs. 'Singly' strongly implies a sequential order — one after another, not at the same time. 'Individually' focuses on each item as a separate unit, regardless of the order. 'One by one' is the most conversational option and clearly conveys the step-by-step process. 'Separately' means apart from others but does not suggest a particular sequence. For example, you might receive gifts separately (at different times) but open them all at once; to open them singly means you open one, finish, then open the next.

singly ↗individually ↗one by oneseparately ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • items
  • questions
  • chairs
  • tablets
  • envelopes
  • tasks

Phrases

  • one at a time
  • one by one

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

Formed in English by adding the adverb suffix '-ly' to 'single'. 'Single' comes from Old French 'sengle' (alone, individual), which traces back to Latin 'singulus' meaning 'one only, individual, separate'. The word has been used in English since the 14th century to describe actions done one at a time.