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B1 noun #42 am häufigsten 11 Min. Lesezeit

independents

Top 42

At the A1 level, the word 'independents' might be a bit difficult, but you can understand it as 'people who work alone' or 'shops that are not part of a big group.' Imagine a big supermarket like Walmart. That is a chain. Now imagine a small fruit shop owned by one person in your neighborhood. That shop is one of the 'independents.' In school, if you do a project by yourself and not in a team, you are acting like an independent. However, we usually use the plural 'independents' to talk about a group of people who all choose to do things their own way. It is important to know that these people do not like to follow the rules of a big boss or a big group. They like to make their own choices. You might see this word in simple news stories about elections. If there are two big teams (like Team Red and Team Blue), the 'independents' are the people who are not on either team. They are in the middle. They can choose to help Team Red or Team Blue, or they can stay by themselves. When you learn this word, think of the word 'independent' (without the 's'), which means 'free.' So, 'independents' are 'free people' who don't belong to a big club. You can use it to talk about your favorite small coffee shop or a person who doesn't like to join clubs. Just remember that it is a plural word, so you say 'The independents are...' and not 'The independents is...'. This word helps you describe the world more clearly by showing that not everyone belongs to a big group.

For A2 learners, 'independents' is a useful noun to describe people or businesses that are self-reliant. You will often hear this word when people talk about shopping or politics. In shopping, 'independents' are small stores that are not part of a famous brand. For example, a local bookstore is an independent, while a huge store like Amazon is not. People often say, 'We should shop at independents to help our city.' This means buying things from local people instead of big companies. In politics, 'independents' are voters who do not belong to a political party. They don't always vote for the same group. They think about each person running for office and then decide. This makes them very important during elections because they can change the result. If you are an A2 student, you should practice using 'independents' as a plural noun. For example: 'The independents in this town are very friendly.' You should also know that it comes from the adjective 'independent.' If a person is independent, they can do things by themselves. If a group of these people exists, we call them 'independents.' It is a common word in newspapers and on the news. You might also hear it in the phrase 'independent films,' but when we use the noun 'independents,' we are talking about the people who make those films. It is a good word to use when you want to talk about people who value their freedom and don't want to be told what to do by a big organization.

At the B1 level, you should understand 'independents' as a specific category of people or organizations. In political science, 'independents' are a crucial demographic. They are voters who are not registered with a major political party. Because they aren't loyal to one side, politicians have to work hard to 'court' or win over the independents. You will often see headlines like 'Independents will decide the next president.' This means that the people who aren't in a party hold the most power. In the business world, 'independents' refers to companies that are not owned by a larger parent corporation. This is very common in the oil industry, where 'independent oil companies' are smaller than 'major' ones like Shell. It is also common in the arts. 'Independents' in the film industry are those who produce movies outside of the big Hollywood studio system. These films are often called 'indie films.' As a B1 learner, you should be able to use the word in different contexts. For example, you could write: 'The growth of independents in the retail sector is a sign of a healthy local economy.' You should also be careful with the grammar. 'Independents' is a plural count noun. You can have 'one independent' or 'many independents.' It is different from 'independence,' which is the abstract idea of being free. If you say 'I love independents,' you mean you love the people or shops. If you say 'I love independence,' you mean you love the feeling of being free. Knowing this difference will make your English sound much more natural and precise.

At the B2 level, 'independents' becomes a more nuanced term used to discuss social, political, and economic trends. You should understand that 'independents' often represent a middle ground or a third way in a polarized environment. In politics, the rise of 'independents' can signal a dissatisfaction with the traditional two-party system. Analysts often study the 'behavior of independents' to predict election outcomes, noting that they tend to be more moderate or issue-focused than party loyalists. In the corporate world, 'independents' are often seen as innovators. Because they aren't tied down by corporate bureaucracy, they can take risks that larger companies cannot. This is why many 'independents' in the tech or biotech sectors are often acquired by larger firms once they develop a successful product. You should also be familiar with the term in the context of the 'independent press.' While 'independents' usually refers to people or companies, it can also refer to media outlets that are not controlled by the government or large conglomerates. At this level, you should be comfortable using the word in complex sentences. For example: 'The shift in support among independents suggests a growing desire for centrist policies.' You should also recognize the word's role in collocations like 'independent-minded' or 'independent-leaning.' Understanding the cultural weight of the word is also important; in many Western cultures, being one of the 'independents' is seen as a mark of intellectual honesty and strength of character, as it implies you think for yourself rather than following the crowd.

For C1 learners, 'independents' is a term that carries significant weight in discourse regarding institutional power and systemic autonomy. In a political context, you should be able to discuss the 'de-alignment' of voters, where a growing number of citizens identify as 'independents' rather than partisans. This phenomenon has profound implications for how campaigns are run and how policy is formulated, as 'independents' often lack a cohesive platform, making them a diverse and sometimes unpredictable group. In economics, 'independents' can be discussed in the context of market competition and anti-trust issues. You might analyze how 'independents' in the pharmaceutical or energy sectors provide necessary competition to prevent monopolies. In the realm of sociology, 'independents' can refer to those who exist on the fringes of social movements, providing a critical outside perspective. At this level, your usage should be precise. You might use the word to describe the 'fragmentation of the electorate into various factions of independents.' You should also be aware of the historical context of the word, such as the 'Independents' in the 17th-century English Civil War, who were a religious and political group advocating for local church autonomy. This historical depth adds another layer to the word's meaning of 'resisting centralized authority.' You should also be able to use the word metaphorically or in high-level professional contexts, such as 'the independents in the field of academic research who refuse to follow the dominant paradigm.' The word 'independents' at the C1 level is not just a label; it is a concept that touches on the tension between the individual and the institution.

At the C2 level, the word 'independents' is integrated into a sophisticated vocabulary that allows for the discussion of complex power dynamics and philosophical autonomy. You should be able to use 'independents' to describe any entity that maintains its 'sovereignty' in the face of overwhelming institutional pressure. In political theory, you might explore the role of 'independents' in a deliberative democracy, questioning whether a lack of party affiliation truly leads to more rational decision-making or if 'independents' are simply less engaged. In the world of high finance and global markets, you might discuss the 'strategic positioning of independents' within a supply chain, and how their presence or absence affects market volatility. Your command of the word should allow you to use it in highly formal or academic writing with ease. For example: 'The proliferation of independents within the creative industries has catalyzed a paradigm shift in how intellectual property is distributed and monetized.' You should also be sensitive to the subtle connotations the word carries in different English-speaking cultures. In some contexts, 'independents' might be viewed with suspicion as 'unreliable' or 'unpredictable,' while in others, they are celebrated as the 'backbone of the economy' or the 'conscience of the nation.' A C2 speaker can navigate these different shades of meaning, using 'independents' to build nuanced arguments about the nature of freedom, the structure of society, and the future of institutional affiliation. Whether discussing the 'independents' in a legislative body or the 'independents' in a niche artistic movement, your usage should reflect a deep understanding of the word's history, its grammatical flexibility, and its socio-political significance.

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independents in 30 Sekunden

Independents are individuals or groups not tied to major organizations, particularly in politics, where they are voters or candidates without a specific party affiliation.
In the arts and business, the term refers to small, autonomous creators or companies that operate without the backing of large, mainstream corporate entities.
The word is a plural noun and always requires plural verb forms, emphasizing a group of people who share the trait of being non-aligned.
Culturally, being one of the independents is often associated with integrity, creative freedom, and a willingness to challenge the established status quo.

The term independents serves as a vital noun in the English language, primarily used to describe individuals or entities that operate outside the traditional boundaries of established organizations, political parties, or corporate conglomerates. In a political context, independents are voters or candidates who do not align themselves with a specific political party, such as the Democrats or Republicans in the United States, or the Labour or Conservative parties in the United Kingdom. These individuals often pride themselves on their autonomy, making decisions based on specific issues rather than following a rigid party platform. This lack of affiliation allows them to act as a 'swing' demographic, often deciding the outcome of close elections because their loyalty is not guaranteed to any single side. Beyond politics, the word is frequently applied to the arts and business. In the film and music industries, independents (often shortened to 'indies') refers to production companies or artists who produce work without the financial backing or creative control of major studios or record labels. This independence often results in more experimental, niche, or avant-garde content that challenges mainstream conventions. In the retail sector, independents are small, locally-owned businesses that compete against massive international chains. These shops often provide unique products and personalized service that larger corporations cannot replicate. The use of this word carries a connotation of self-reliance, integrity, and sometimes a touch of rebellion against the status quo. When you hear someone talk about independents, they are usually highlighting a group that values freedom of choice and individual agency over collective conformity.

Political Context: Voters who are not registered with any political party and often decide elections by shifting their support between candidates based on current issues.

Creative Industries: Small film studios or music labels that operate without the funding of the 'Big Five' or major global distributors.

Economic Sector: Local businesses, such as bookstores or coffee shops, that are owned by individuals rather than being part of a franchise or corporation.

The upcoming election will likely be decided by the growing number of independents who remain undecided until the final week.

Many film critics prefer the raw storytelling found in the works of independents over big-budget Hollywood blockbusters.

Small-town independents are struggling to survive in the shadow of the new shopping mall.

The tech conference featured several independents who are developing innovative software without venture capital.

As the major parties move toward the extremes, the moderate independents feel increasingly alienated.

Using the word independents correctly requires an understanding of its role as a collective noun for people or entities that share the trait of being unaffiliated. In formal writing, particularly in political science or economics, independents is used to categorize a specific variable in data analysis. For example, 'The survey results indicate a 5% increase in registered independents since the last election cycle.' Here, it functions as a precise demographic label. In more casual or journalistic settings, it often appears in the subject or object position of a sentence to describe a group's behavior. 'The independents are expected to swing the vote in the suburban districts.' Note that because it is a plural noun, it always takes a plural verb ('are', 'have', 'do'). It is also common to see the word modified by adjectives that provide more specific detail about the group's leanings or characteristics. Phrases like 'left-leaning independents,' 'staunch independents,' or 'fiscally conservative independents' are frequent in political commentary. In the realm of business, the word often appears in discussions about market share and competition. 'While the major oil companies dominate the market, several independents still operate smaller refineries.' In this case, the word highlights the contrast between large-scale corporate power and smaller, autonomous operators. When writing about the arts, independents is often used to describe a movement or a scene. 'The festival is a celebration of independents who are pushing the boundaries of digital animation.' It is important to distinguish between the noun independents and the adjective independent. You would say 'He is an independent filmmaker' (adjective) but 'He is one of the independents' (noun). Using the plural noun form emphasizes the person's membership in a broader community of like-minded, non-affiliated individuals.

Grammar Tip: Always ensure subject-verb agreement. 'The independents have (not has) spoken.'

Common Collocation: 'Court the independents' is a common phrase meaning to try to win the support of unaffiliated voters.

Prepositional Use: Often used with 'among': 'There is a growing sense of frustration among independents.'

Political analysts are closely watching how independents respond to the new tax proposal.

The local high street is famous for its collection of independents, ranging from vintage clothing stores to artisan bakeries.

To win the general election, the candidate must appeal to both the party base and the independents.

You will encounter the word independents most frequently in news broadcasts, political podcasts, and financial reports. During an election season, it is almost impossible to turn on a news channel without hearing about 'the crucial role of independents.' News anchors use the term to describe the unpredictable segment of the population that holds the power to flip a district or state. In this setting, the word is often associated with terms like 'swing voters,' 'undecideds,' and 'moderates.' In the world of business journalism, particularly in outlets like the Wall Street Journal or the Financial Times, independents is used to discuss market dynamics. You might hear a report on how 'oil independents' are increasing production in response to global price hikes, referring to smaller exploration and production companies that aren't part of the 'supermajors' like ExxonMobil or Shell. In the cultural sphere, film festivals like Sundance or South by Southwest (SXSW) are often described as hubs for independents. Here, the word carries a sense of prestige and creative integrity, implying that the creators are motivated by art rather than profit. Music blogs and magazines like Pitchfork frequently use the term to discuss 'the rise of the independents' in the streaming era, where artists can reach audiences directly without a major label. You might also hear the word in local community meetings where residents discuss the importance of supporting 'local independents' to keep the neighborhood's character intact. In these conversations, the word is a synonym for 'small business owners' and is used to evoke a sense of community pride and economic resilience. Finally, in academic settings, particularly in political science or sociology lectures, independents is used as a technical term to categorize research subjects who do not identify with institutionalized groups.

News Media: 'Tonight we look at the polling data to see which way the independents are leaning in the swing states.'

Business Reports: 'The merger of these two independents could create a significant new player in the renewable energy sector.'

Artistic Reviews: 'This year's festival lineup is dominated by independents who are experimenting with virtual reality.'

The documentary highlights the struggles of independents in the competitive world of fashion design.

Exit polls show that independents were primarily concerned about the economy and healthcare.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing the noun independents with the abstract noun independence. While they share the same root, they have very different meanings. Independence refers to the state of being free from control (e.g., 'The country gained its independence'), whereas independents refers to the people or groups who are free from such control (e.g., 'The independents voted against the bill'). Another common error is using the singular 'independent' when referring to a group. For example, saying 'The independent are voting today' is grammatically incorrect; it must be 'The independents are voting today.' Conversely, don't use the plural form when you are describing a single person or using it as an adjective. 'He is an independents candidate' is wrong; it should be 'He is an independent candidate.' There is also a tendency to confuse independents with non-partisans. While they are often used interchangeably in politics, 'non-partisan' usually implies a lack of bias or a formal role that requires neutrality (like a judge), while independents simply means they aren't members of a party—they can still be very biased or opinionated. In the business world, people sometimes mistake independents for 'freelancers.' While a freelancer is an independent worker, the term independents in business often refers to small companies or firms rather than individual contractors. Finally, spelling can be a hurdle; remember that the word ends in '-ents,' not '-ants.' Misspelling it as 'independants' is a common typo even for native speakers.

Noun vs. Adjective: Wrong: 'The independents film was great.' Correct: 'The independent film was great' or 'The film by the independents was great.'

Spelling Alert: Always use 'e' in the final syllable: Independents. Avoid 'Independants.'

Singular/Plural Confusion: 'An independent' (one person) vs. 'The independents' (the group).

Incorrect: 'The country celebrated its independents on July 4th.' Correct: 'The country celebrated its independence on July 4th.'

Incorrect: 'She is one of the most successful independants in the music industry.' Correct: 'She is one of the most successful independents in the music industry.'

Depending on the context, several words can serve as synonyms or near-synonyms for independents. In politics, non-partisans is a common alternative, though it often implies a more formal lack of affiliation. Swing voters is another frequent term, specifically describing independents who change their support from one election to the next. For those who are particularly rebellious or unconventional, the term mavericks might be used. In the business and creative worlds, indies is the most common informal alternative, especially when referring to film, music, or video game developers. Freelancers or solopreneurs might be used if you are talking about individuals working alone, though independents usually implies a slightly larger scale, like a small company. In the retail sector, you might hear boutiques or specialty shops used to describe independents that focus on a specific niche. If you want to emphasize that they are not part of a chain, you could use the phrase mom-and-pop shops, though this is quite informal and specifically refers to very small, family-owned businesses. In a more academic or technical sense, unaffiliated individuals is a precise, if somewhat dry, alternative. Understanding these nuances helps you choose the right word for the right situation. For instance, while all indies are independents, not all independents (like a small oil company) would be called 'indies.'

Independents vs. Non-partisans: Independents usually refers to people who choose not to join a party. Non-partisans often refers to organizations or roles that are legally required to be neutral.

Independents vs. Mavericks: Independents is a neutral demographic term. Mavericks implies a person who is intentionally provocative or goes against the grain of their own group.

Independents vs. Indies: Independents is the formal noun. Indies is the informal, culturally-specific term used in arts and entertainment.

While the independents represent a large group, the true 'swing voters' are a much smaller, more volatile segment.

The street is lined with independents, though most locals just call them 'the local shops.'

How Formal Is It?

Formell

Neutral

Informell

Child friendly

Umgangssprache

Wusstest du?

The use of 'Independents' as a specific political label first became famous during the English Civil War (1642–1651), referring to a group of Puritans who wanted each local church to be autonomous.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ˌɪndɪˈpendənts/

US /ˌɪndɪˈpendənts/

in-de-PEN-dents

Reimt sich auf

intends extends amends defends descends pretends transcends suspends

Häufige Fehler

Stressing the first syllable (IN-de-pen-dents).
Pronouncing the 'e' in 'pen' like an 'a' (in-de-PAN-dents).
Missing the 's' at the end when referring to a group.
Pronouncing it with four syllables instead of four (in-de-pen-dents is correct).
Confusing the ending with '-ance' (independence).

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

The word is common in news and media, making it easy to encounter but requiring context to understand the specific type of independent being discussed.

Schreiben 4/5

Spelling (the 'e' vs 'a') and distinguishing between the noun and adjective forms can be tricky for learners.

Sprechen 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but using it correctly in plural form is essential.

Hören 3/5

Easily recognized in political and business contexts.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

independent party vote business group

Als Nächstes lernen

non-partisan affiliation electorate conglomerate autonomy

Fortgeschritten

hegemony deliberative democracy oligopoly de-alignment grassroots

Wichtige Grammatik

Plural Noun Agreement

The independents ARE (not is) deciding the vote.

Noun vs. Adjective Usage

He is an independent (adj) person. He is one of the independents (noun).

Collective Nouns

The group of independents has (singular verb for the group) or have (plural for the members) arrived.

Prepositional Collocation

Support FOR independents is growing.

Article Usage with Groups

The independents (the specific group) vs. Independents (general category).

Beispiele nach Niveau

The small shops are independents.

Las tiendas pequeñas son independientes.

Plural noun 'independents' follows the plural verb 'are'.

He likes to work with independents.

A él le gusta trabajar con independientes.

Used as the object of the preposition 'with'.

Independents do not have a big boss.

Los independientes no tienen un gran jefe.

Plural subject 'Independents' takes the plural verb 'do'.

Are they independents or a big company?

¿Son ellos independientes o una gran empresa?

Question form using 'Are' with the plural 'independents'.

Many independents sell handmade things.

Muchos independientes venden cosas hechas a mano.

'Many' is used to quantify the plural noun 'independents'.

I buy my bread from the independents.

Compro mi pan a los independientes.

The definite article 'the' specifies a known group of independent shops.

Independents are important for our town.

Los independientes son importantes para nuestro pueblo.

Plural noun used as a general subject.

She is one of the independents.

Ella es una de las independientes.

Partitive construction 'one of the' followed by a plural noun.

The independents often have unique products.

Los independientes suelen tener productos únicos.

Adverb 'often' placed between the subject and the verb.

Voters who are independents can choose any person.

Los votantes que son independientes pueden elegir a cualquier persona.

Relative clause 'who are independents' describes the voters.

We should support our local independents.

Deberíamos apoyar a nuestros independientes locales.

Modal verb 'should' followed by the base form 'support'.

The independents are not part of a chain.

Los independientes no forman parte de una cadena.

Negative construction 'are not' with the plural noun.

How many independents are there in this city?

¿Cuántos independientes hay en esta ciudad?

'How many' is used with the plural count noun 'independents'.

Independents usually work harder than big companies.

Los independientes suelen trabajar más duro que las grandes empresas.

Comparative structure 'harder than'.

I prefer to watch movies made by independents.

Prefiero ver películas hechas por independientes.

Past participle 'made' used as an adjective modifying the movies.

The independents decided to have a street fair.

Los independientes decidieron celebrar una feria callejera.

Past tense verb 'decided' followed by an infinitive.

Political candidates always try to attract the independents.

Los candidatos políticos siempre intentan atraer a los independientes.

Infinitive 'to attract' used to show purpose.

Independents make up thirty percent of the voters.

Los independientes constituyen el treinta por ciento de los votantes.

Phrasal verb 'make up' meaning 'to constitute'.

The film festival focuses on work by independents.

El festival de cine se centra en el trabajo de los independientes.

Preposition 'on' followed by the noun phrase 'work by independents'.

Many independents struggle to compete with large corporations.

Muchos independientes luchan por competir con las grandes corporaciones.

Infinitive 'to compete' follows the verb 'struggle'.

The independents have their own unique style.

Los independientes tienen su propio estilo único.

Possessive adjective 'their' refers back to the plural 'independents'.

Is it true that independents are more likely to change their minds?

¿Es cierto que los independientes tienen más probabilidades de cambiar de opinión?

Adjective phrase 'more likely to' followed by the base verb.

The report highlights the success of several independents.

El informe destaca el éxito de varios independientes.

Quantifier 'several' used with the plural noun.

Independents are often the most creative people in the industry.

Los independientes suelen ser las personas más creativas de la industria.

Superlative 'the most creative' modifies 'people'.

The independents are a diverse group with varying opinions.

Los independientes son un grupo diverso con opiniones variadas.

Noun phrase 'a diverse group' acts as a subject complement.

Courting the independents is a key strategy for any campaign.

Cortejar a los independientes es una estrategia clave para cualquier campaña.

Gerund 'Courting' used as the subject of the sentence.

The rise of independents has disrupted the traditional market.

El auge de los independientes ha trastornado el mercado tradicional.

Present perfect 'has disrupted' shows a recent change with current impact.

Independents tend to prioritize local issues over national ones.

Los independientes tienden a priorizar los temas locales sobre los nacionales.

Verb 'tend' followed by the infinitive 'to prioritize'.

Several independents have formed a coalition to influence policy.

Varios independientes han formado una coalición para influir en la política.

Present perfect 'have formed' indicates a completed action.

The documentary explores the lives of independents in the tech world.

El documental explora las vidas de los independientes en el mundo de la tecnología.

Prepositional phrase 'in the tech world' provides context.

Independents are often less bound by tradition than their peers.

Los independientes suelen estar menos ligados a la tradición que sus compañeros.

Comparative 'less bound... than'.

The success of the independents surprised many industry experts.

El éxito de los independientes sorprendió a muchos expertos de la industria.

Past tense 'surprised' used with a plural object.

The political landscape is increasingly dominated by independents.

El panorama político está cada vez más dominado por los independientes.

Passive voice 'is... dominated by' emphasizes the influence of the independents.

Independents often act as a check on the power of major parties.

Los independientes suelen actuar como un freno al poder de los partidos mayoritarios.

Metaphorical use of 'a check on' meaning a control or limit.

The fragmentation of the market has favored the independents.

La fragmentación del mercado ha favorecido a los independientes.

Abstract noun 'fragmentation' as the subject.

Independents are characterized by their intellectual autonomy.

Los independientes se caracterizan por su autonomía intelectual.

Passive construction 'are characterized by'.

The study analyzes the voting patterns of registered independents.

El estudio analiza las pautas de voto de los independientes registrados.

Compound noun 'voting patterns' as the object.

Independents in the energy sector are driving innovation in renewables.

Los independientes del sector energético están impulsando la innovación en las energías renovables.

Present continuous 'are driving' shows ongoing action.

The influence of independents is particularly evident in local government.

La influencia de los independientes es especialmente evidente en el gobierno local.

Adverb 'particularly' modifies the adjective 'evident'.

Independents often find themselves at odds with institutional norms.

Los independientes se encuentran a menudo en desacuerdo con las normas institucionales.

Idiomatic expression 'at odds with' meaning in disagreement.

The rise of independents signifies a profound shift in civic engagement.

El auge de los independientes significa un cambio profundo en el compromiso cívico.

Verb 'signifies' links the subject to a complex conceptual object.

Independents navigate the precarious space between corporate hegemony and grassroots activism.

Los independientes navegan por el precario espacio entre la hegemonía corporativa y el activismo de base.

Sophisticated vocabulary like 'hegemony' and 'grassroots' provides high-level context.

The legislative success of the independents hinges on their ability to form strategic alliances.

El éxito legislativo de los independientes depende de su capacidad para formar alianzas estratégicas.

Phrasal verb 'hinges on' meaning depends entirely on.

Independents are often the vanguard of cultural and social change.

Los independientes son a menudo la vanguardia del cambio cultural y social.

Noun 'vanguard' used to describe a leading position in a movement.

The discourse surrounding independents often overlooks their internal ideological diversity.

El discurso que rodea a los independientes a menudo pasa por alto su diversidad ideológica interna.

Present participle 'surrounding' acts as an adjective modifying 'discourse'.

Independents challenge the binary logic of traditional political systems.

Los independientes desafían la lógica binaria de los sistemas políticos tradicionales.

Abstract object 'binary logic' used in a philosophical sense.

The resilience of independents in a globalized economy is a testament to their adaptability.

La resistencia de los independientes en una economía globalizada es un testimonio de su adaptabilidad.

Noun phrase 'a testament to' meaning proof or evidence of.

Independents often operate within the interstices of established power structures.

Los independientes operan a menudo en los intersticios de las estructuras de poder establecidas.

Sophisticated noun 'interstices' meaning small intervening spaces.

Häufige Kollokationen

court the independents

registered independents

local independents

oil independents

independent-leaning voters

among independents

appeal to independents

small independents

creative independents

independents and third parties

Häufige Phrasen

The rise of the independents

Shop at independents

A block of independents

Independents on both sides

The power of independents

A community of independents

Independents in the field

Voice of the independents

Success of the independents

Independents and partisans

Wird oft verwechselt mit

independents vs independence

Independence is the state of being free. Independents are the people who are free from affiliation.

independents vs independently

Independently is an adverb describing how an action is done. Independents is a noun describing who is doing it.

independents vs non-partisans

Non-partisans are specifically neutral. Independents are just not in a party; they can still have strong opinions.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"To be an independent spirit"

To have a personality that values freedom and doesn't follow others.

She was always an independent spirit, even as a child.

informal

"To go independent"

To leave a large organization to work or act on one's own.

After ten years at the firm, he decided to go independent.

neutral

"To keep one's independence"

To ensure that one is not controlled or influenced by others.

The journalist worked hard to keep her independence from the government.

formal

"A free agent"

A person who is not committed to any one group and can act as they choose.

As one of the independents, he is essentially a free agent in the negotiations.

informal

"To march to the beat of one's own drum"

To do things in one's own way regardless of what others are doing.

The independents in the art world often march to the beat of their own drum.

informal

"To be your own boss"

To work for yourself rather than an employer.

Many independents love the freedom of being their own boss.

informal

"To stand on one's own two feet"

To be self-sufficient and not need help from others.

The small independents have proven they can stand on their own two feet.

informal

"A lone wolf"

A person who prefers to act or work alone rather than in a group.

Some independents are lone wolves who rarely collaborate with others.

informal

"To break away from the pack"

To stop following the majority and start doing something different.

These independents decided to break away from the pack and start their own movement.

informal

"To have no strings attached"

To be free of any conditions or obligations to a larger group.

The independents can vote how they want because they have no strings attached.

informal

Leicht verwechselbar

independents vs Independent (Adjective)

Same spelling as the singular noun.

The adjective describes a quality ('an independent shop'), while the noun refers to the entity itself ('he is an independent').

She runs an independent business (adj). She is one of the independents (noun).

independents vs Freelancer

Both work for themselves.

A freelancer is usually one person. Independents can be small companies with several employees.

The project was handled by a group of independents, including several freelancers.

independents vs Indie

Shortened version of the same word.

'Indie' is informal and mostly used for arts/culture. 'Independents' is formal and used for politics/business.

He loves indie music, but he studies the voting habits of independents.

independents vs Maverick

Both imply independence.

A maverick is someone who specifically breaks rules or goes against their own group. An independent simply isn't in a group.

The party has a few mavericks, but the independents are outside the party entirely.

independents vs Third Party

Both are alternatives to the main two parties.

A third party is an organized group (like the Green Party). Independents are individuals with no organization.

The election features candidates from the major parties, a third party, and two independents.

Satzmuster

The [noun] are independents.

The shops are independents.

I like [verb] with independents.

I like shopping with independents.

[Subject] try to [verb] the independents.

Politicians try to win the independents.

The [noun] of independents is [adjective].

The number of independents is increasing.

Independents often [verb] as a [noun].

Independents often act as a bridge.

There is a [noun] among independents.

There is a consensus among independents.

The [noun] of independents [verb] the [noun].

The resilience of independents characterizes the market.

Independents [verb] the [adjective] [noun].

Independents challenge the established order.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

Verben

Adjektive

Verwandt

So verwendest du es

frequency

Very high in political and business news.

Häufige Fehler

The independants are voting. → The independents are voting.
The word is spelled with an 'e', not an 'a'. This is the most common spelling error.
He is an independents candidate. → He is an independent candidate.
When used as an adjective before a noun, use the singular 'independent' without the 's'.
The independents is growing. → The independents are growing.
Independents is a plural noun and requires a plural verb.
They celebrated their independents. → They celebrated their independence.
Use 'independence' for the abstract state of being free, and 'independents' for the people themselves.
She is one of the independent. → She is one of the independents.
After 'one of the', you must use a plural noun.

Tipps

Plural Verb Use

Always use a plural verb with 'independents'. Say 'The independents are' not 'The independents is'. This is a very common mistake for learners.

The 'E' Rule

Remember that 'independent' and 'independents' only use the letter 'e' as a vowel in the suffixes. There are no 'a's in the word. Think: Ind-E-pEnd-Ent.

Political Nuance

In the US, 'independents' are voters. In the UK, they are often local council candidates. Knowing the country helps you understand the specific meaning.

Noun vs. Adjective

Use 'independent' as an adjective (independent shop) and 'independents' as a noun (the shops are independents). Don't mix them up in formal writing.

Using 'Indies'

Only use 'indies' in informal settings like blogs or chatting with friends about movies. In an essay or business report, always use 'independents'.

Catch the 'S'

When listening to news, pay close attention to the 's' sound at the end. It tells you if they are talking about one person or the whole group.

Stress the 'PEN'

The word has four syllables: in-de-PEN-dents. Make sure the third syllable is the loudest and longest to sound like a native speaker.

Chain vs. Independent

A good way to remember the meaning is to contrast it with 'chains'. If a store is not a chain, it is likely one of the independents.

Precise Labels

If you want to be very formal in political writing, use 'unaffiliated voters' instead of 'independents' to sound more academic.

The 'In-' Prefix

Remember that 'in-' means 'not'. So 'independents' are people who are 'not dependent' on anyone else. This helps you remember the core meaning.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'IN-DEPEND-ENTS'. 'IN' means 'not'. 'DEPEND' means 'rely'. 'ENTS' are 'people'. So, 'People who do NOT rely' on a big group.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a large school of fish swimming in one direction (the party), and three or four fish swimming in their own different directions. Those few fish are the 'independents'.

Word Web

Autonomy Voters Small Business Indie Non-partisan Self-reliance Freedom Choice

Herausforderung

Try to write three sentences using 'independents' in three different ways: one about politics, one about shopping, and one about the arts.

Wortherkunft

The word 'independent' comes from the French 'indépendant', which was formed by adding the prefix 'in-' (meaning 'not') to 'dépendant' (meaning 'hanging from' or 'relying on'). This French word itself comes from the Latin 'dependere'.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The original meaning in the 17th century was 'not subject to the control of others' or 'not relying on others for support.'

Indo-European (via Latin and French).

Kultureller Kontext

The term is generally neutral and safe to use. However, be aware that some people might use it to hide their true political leanings.

In the US, 'independents' are the largest voting bloc, often outnumbering both Democrats and Republicans. In the UK, 'independent' schools are prestigious private schools.

The Independent (a major British newspaper). The Independent Spirit Awards (awards for independent films). Bernie Sanders (a famous US Senator who is one of the few independents in Congress).

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Elections

Win the independents
Swing of the independents
Registered independents
Independent candidates

Local Shopping

Support local independents
Independent retailers
Independent coffee shops
Small independents

Film and Music

Independent filmmakers
Independent labels
The world of independents
Indie scene

Oil and Energy

Independent producers
Oil independents
Independent energy firms
Market independents

Education (UK)

Independent schools
The independent sector
Independent education
Independents in teaching

Gesprächseinstiege

"Do you think independents have too much power in modern elections?"

"Why do you think more people are choosing to become independents rather than joining a party?"

"What are some of your favorite local independents in your neighborhood?"

"Do you prefer movies made by big studios or those made by independents?"

"Is it harder for independents to survive in today's global economy?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Reflect on a time when you acted as one of the independents, making a choice that went against the group.

Write an essay about the importance of independents in maintaining a healthy democracy.

Describe your favorite local shop and explain why supporting independents matters to you.

If you were a filmmaker, would you want to work for a big studio or stay among the independents? Why?

Analyze the pros and cons of being an independent voter in a highly polarized political environment.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, 'independents' is the plural form. The singular form is 'an independent'. For example, 'He is an independent' (singular) and 'They are independents' (plural).

Usually, it is not capitalized unless it is at the beginning of a sentence or part of a specific title (like 'The Independents' party). In general use, it is a common noun.

All swing voters are usually independents, but not all independents are swing voters. Some independents always vote for the same side, they just don't want to join the party.

It is spelled 'independents'. A common mistake is to spell it 'independants' with an 'a', but that is incorrect.

No, we usually say 'independent nations' or 'independent states'. 'Independents' almost always refers to people, voters, or small businesses.

Yes, 'indies' is just an informal, slang version of 'independents' used mostly in the music, film, and gaming industries.

They are important because they don't have a fixed loyalty. This means they can 'swing' an election to either side, so candidates work hard to win their support.

These are smaller companies that explore for and produce oil but are not part of the huge global corporations like Exxon or BP.

Yes, in some sports like college football in the US, 'independents' are teams that do not belong to a specific conference or league.

In many cultures, it is seen as a sign of being free-thinking and honest. However, some people might see it as being uncommitted or difficult to work with.