When it comes to the English language, there are many words that are often used interchangeably, but have different meanings. One such pair of words is “free” and “freely”. While they may seem similar, there are distinct differences between the two that are important to understand.
It’s important to note that both “free” and “freely” are grammatically correct. However, they are used in different contexts and have different meanings.
When we say something is “free”, it means that it doesn’t cost anything. For example, “The samples at the grocery store were free.” In this context, “free” means that the samples didn’t require any payment.
On the other hand, “freely” is an adverb that means “in a free manner” or “without hindrance or restraint”. For example, “The bird flew freely in the sky.” In this context, “freely” means that the bird was able to fly without any obstacles or restrictions.
It’s important to understand the difference between these two words, as using them incorrectly can lead to confusion or miscommunication. Throughout the rest of this article, we will explore the different ways in which “free” and “freely” are used, and provide examples to help clarify their meanings.
Define Free
Free is a term used to describe something that is provided without charge or cost. It refers to the ability to obtain something without having to pay for it. In the context of products or services, free typically means that there is no monetary cost associated with obtaining or using it. However, there may be other requirements or limitations that come with the free offering.
For example, a company may offer a free trial of their software, but it may only be available for a limited time or have restricted features. In this case, the software is free to use, but there are still limitations or conditions attached to it.
Free can also refer to something that is unrestricted or unencumbered. For instance, free speech refers to the ability to express oneself without censorship or fear of retribution. In this sense, free means that there are no limitations or restrictions on the activity or behavior in question.
Define Freely
Freely is an adverb that describes the manner in which something is done without hindrance or restraint. It implies that there are no limitations or restrictions on the action being taken.
For example, a person may choose to speak freely without fear of censorship or retribution. This means that they are able to express themselves without any external constraints or limitations.
Freely can also refer to the availability or accessibility of something. For instance, a resource may be freely available to anyone who wishes to use it. This means that there are no restrictions or limitations on who can access the resource or how it can be used.
| Free | Freely |
|---|---|
| Refers to something provided without cost | Describes the manner in which something is done without hindrance or restraint |
| May have limitations or conditions attached | Implies that there are no limitations or restrictions on the action being taken |
| Can refer to something that is unrestricted or unencumbered | Can refer to the availability or accessibility of something |
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to writing, using the correct word in a sentence is crucial to ensure that your message is conveyed accurately. In this section, we will discuss the proper usage of the words “free” and “freely”.
How To Use “Free” In A Sentence
The word “free” is often used to describe something that does not cost anything. For example:
- I got a free sample of the new product at the store.
- The restaurant is offering free drinks with every meal.
However, “free” can also be used to describe something that is not constrained or restricted. For example:
- The bird flew free in the open sky.
- He felt free to express his opinion.
It is important to note that “free” is an adjective and should be used to describe a noun. It should not be used as an adverb to describe how an action is performed.
How To Use “Freely” In A Sentence
The word “freely” is an adverb that describes how an action is performed. It means to do something without any constraints or restrictions. For example:
- The dog ran freely in the park.
- She freely shared her ideas with the team.
It is important to note that “freely” should not be used to describe something that does not cost anything. In such cases, “free” should be used instead.
Here is a table summarizing the difference between “free” and “freely”:
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | Adjective | Not costing anything; not constrained or restricted | The restaurant is offering free drinks with every meal. |
| Freely | Adverb | Without any constraints or restrictions | The dog ran freely in the park. |
More Examples Of Free & Freely Used In Sentences
In order to gain a better understanding of how to use “free” and “freely” correctly, it’s helpful to look at some examples of how they are used in sentences.
Examples Of Using “Free” In A Sentence
- She got a free sample of the new perfume at the store.
- The restaurant offered free dessert with the purchase of an entree.
- He was given a free pass to the concert because he won a radio contest.
- The company offered free shipping on all orders over $50.
- The park has free admission for children under 12.
- She was free to leave the party whenever she wanted.
- He was free to choose any color he wanted for the car.
- The cat was free to roam around the house.
- She was free of any obligations for the weekend.
- The prisoner was finally set free after 10 years in jail.
Examples Of Using “Freely” In A Sentence
- The bird flew freely through the sky.
- He spoke freely about his opinions on the matter.
- The artist expressed herself freely through her paintings.
- The water flowed freely from the faucet.
- She danced freely to the music.
- The company allows employees to work from home freely.
- He gave his time and resources freely to the charity.
- The children played freely in the park.
- The writer freely admitted to using personal experiences in his book.
- The dog ran freely in the backyard.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words “free” and “freely,” people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have distinct meanings, and using them incorrectly can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Using “Free” As An Adverb
One of the most common mistakes people make is using “free” as an adverb. For example, “I can move freely” is correct, while “I can move free” is incorrect. “Free” is an adjective that describes a noun, while “freely” is an adverb that describes a verb. Using “free” as an adverb can make your writing sound unprofessional and confusing.
Using “Freely” As An Adjective
Another mistake people make is using “freely” as an adjective. For example, “I received a freely book” is incorrect, while “I received a free book” is correct. “Free” is the correct adjective to use when describing something that doesn’t cost anything, while “freely” is an adverb that describes how something is done. Using “freely” as an adjective can make your writing sound awkward and confusing.
Using “Free” To Mean “Available”
Another common mistake is using “free” to mean “available.” For example, “The report is free to download” is correct, while “The report is freely available to download” is redundant. Using “free” in this context is correct because it means that the report doesn’t cost anything to download. Using “freely” in this context is unnecessary and can make your writing sound repetitive.
Using “Freely” To Mean “Without Permission”
Finally, another mistake people make is using “freely” to mean “without permission.” For example, “He freely used my computer without my consent” is incorrect, while “He used my computer without my consent” is correct. Using “freely” in this context is unnecessary and can make your writing sound awkward and confusing. Instead, use a more precise word like “unrestricted” or “unauthorized.”
To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to understand the differences between “free” and “freely.” Remember that “free” is an adjective that describes a noun, while “freely” is an adverb that describes a verb. Also, remember that “free” means “without cost,” while “freely” means “in a free manner.” By using these words correctly, you can improve the clarity and professionalism of your writing.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words “free” and “freely,” context is key. Both words have similar meanings, but the choice between them can depend on the specific situation in which they are used.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “free” and “freely” might change:
1. Advertisements
In advertising, the word “free” is often used to describe a product or service that is provided at no cost to the consumer. For example, a company might offer a “free trial” of their product. In this context, the word “freely” would not be appropriate, as it implies that the product is being provided in a generous or liberal manner. Instead, “free” is the correct choice, as it accurately describes the cost of the product or service.
2. Speech and Writing
When it comes to speech and writing, the choice between “free” and “freely” can depend on the intended meaning of the sentence. For example, consider the following two sentences:
- “She spoke freely about her experiences.”
- “She spoke about her experiences for free.”
In the first sentence, “freely” is the correct choice, as it describes the manner in which she spoke. In the second sentence, “free” is the correct choice, as it describes the cost of her speaking.
3. Economics
In economics, the words “free” and “freely” can have different meanings depending on the context. For example, consider the following two sentences:
- “The market is free from government intervention.”
- “The market is operating freely.”
In the first sentence, “free” is the correct choice, as it describes the absence of government intervention in the market. In the second sentence, “freely” is the correct choice, as it describes the manner in which the market is operating.
Overall, the choice between “free” and “freely” can depend on a variety of factors, including the context in which they are used. By understanding the nuances of each word, you can ensure that your writing is clear and effective.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using “free” and “freely” may seem straightforward, there are some exceptions where they might not apply. Here are a few examples:
1. Idiomatic Expressions
Idiomatic expressions are phrases or sayings that have a figurative meaning that is different from the literal meaning of the words. In some cases, these expressions might use “free” or “freely” in a way that doesn’t follow the usual rules.
For example, the expression “free and clear” means that something is completely paid off or settled, with no further obligations. This usage of “free” is an exception because it doesn’t refer to the absence of cost or restriction, but rather to a state of being unencumbered.
2. Technical Jargon
In certain technical fields, “free” and “freely” might have specialized meanings that differ from their everyday usage. For instance, in computer programming, “free” can refer to a block of memory that is no longer being used by a program and can be allocated for other purposes.
Similarly, in linguistics, “free morphemes” are units of meaning that can stand alone as words, while “bound morphemes” must be attached to other words to convey meaning. In this context, “freely” might be used to describe the ability of a morpheme to attach to different words without changing its meaning.
3. Regional Variations
Finally, it’s worth noting that the rules for using “free” and “freely” might vary depending on the dialect or region of English being spoken. For example, in some parts of the United States, it’s common to use “for free” instead of “free of charge” or “without charge.”
Similarly, some British English speakers might use “freely” in place of “free” when describing something that is available without charge. These regional variations are an exception to the standard rules, but they are still considered correct within their respective contexts.
Practice Exercises
Learning how to use “free” and “freely” correctly can be a challenge, but with practice, it can become second nature. Below are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Fill in the blank with either “free” or “freely” to complete the sentence correctly:
| Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|
| The birds flew ______ in the sky. | freely |
| I got a ______ sample of the new product at the store. | free |
| She ______ offered to help with the project. | freely |
| The concert was ______ to attend. | free |
| The company ______ gave away t-shirts at the event. | freely |
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct word (“free” or “freely”) to complete the sentence:
- The children played ______ in the park.
- a) free
- b) freely
- a) free
- b) freely
- a) free
- b) freely
- a) free
- b) freely
- a) free
- b) freely
Answer Key:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | freely |
| 2 | free |
| 3 | freely |
| 4 | freely |
| 5 | free |
By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of “free” and “freely” in sentences. Remember to pay attention to the context of the sentence and choose the correct word accordingly.
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between “free” and “freely,” it is clear that these two words are not interchangeable. “Free” is an adjective that describes something that is without cost, while “freely” is an adverb that describes how an action is performed. It is important to use these words correctly in order to maintain clarity and precision in our writing.
When using “free,” be sure to consider the context in which it is being used. Is it describing something that is given without cost, or is it describing the state of something? For example, “I am free from my obligations” is different from “The concert is free to attend.”
On the other hand, “freely” is used to describe how an action is performed. This can refer to physical movement, as in “She danced freely across the stage,” or to speech, as in “He spoke freely about his experiences.”
It is important to continue learning about grammar and language use in order to improve our writing skills. By understanding the nuances of words like “free” and “freely,” we can communicate more effectively and clearly.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.