Free vs Freely: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
The word "free" means without cost or liberated, while "freely" is used to mean without restriction or in a free manner.
Memory Tip: free = no cost, freely = without limits
free has one syllable, freely has two syllables
free /friː/
adjectiveNot costing any money.
Example:
If you finish your homework early, you will have time to play video games for free.
Common patterns:
free gift
free time
free
verbTo free someone or something means to release them from confinement, restraint, or control, allowing them to act independently.
Example:
If you finish your homework early, you will have time to play video games for free.
Common patterns:
free up
free from
free access
free /friː/
adverbWithout needing to pay money.
Example:
If you finish your homework early, you will have time to play video games for free.
Common patterns:
without payment
available at no cost
freely
adverbThe adverb "freely" means to do something without restrictions or limitations, allowing for ease and openness in action or expression.
Example:
If you speak freely about your ideas, people might understand you better.
Common patterns:
speak freely
move freely
access freely
Common Mistakes
The birds can fly free in the sky.
The birds can fly freely in the sky.
The word 'freely' is used to describe the manner in which the birds fly, meaning without restriction.
You can take this book freely of charge.
You can take this book free of charge.
The word 'free' is used to indicate that the book is available without cost.
Quick Practice
0/4 correct1. If you finish your homework early, you will have time to play video games for ____.
2. If you finish your homework early, you will have time to play video games for ____.
3. If you finish your homework early, you will have time to play video games for ____.
4. If you speak ____ about your ideas, people might understand you better.
Other Confusing Words
Never confuse free / freely again
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