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A1 noun #22 am häufigsten 5 Min. Lesezeit

solo

Top 22

At the A1 level, 'solo' is a simple word used to describe doing something alone, especially in music. You might hear it when talking about a singer who sings by themselves. It is an easy word to remember because it is short and used in many languages. You can use it to say 'I play a solo' or 'He is a solo singer.' It helps you talk about people who are not in a group. It is one of the first words you learn for describing music and hobbies. Think of it as the opposite of 'together' or 'group.'

At the A2 level, you can start using 'solo' to describe more than just singing. You might use it for sports or simple tasks. For example, 'I went on a solo trip' or 'She did a solo dance.' You understand that 'solo' means one person is doing the whole thing. You can also use it to talk about musicians in a band who have a special part to play by themselves. It is a useful word for describing your own activities when you do them without friends or family. It starts to feel more like a professional term.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'solo' as a noun in various contexts. You can describe a 'guitar solo' or a 'vocal solo' with more detail. You might also encounter the word in news stories about people who travel 'solo' around the world. You understand the difference between 'solo' and 'alone'—that 'solo' often implies a choice or a performance. You can use it in sentences like 'The highlight of the concert was the drum solo.' You are also beginning to see it used in business, like a 'solo entrepreneur.'

At the B2 level, you can use 'solo' to discuss more complex ideas like 'solo exhibitions' in art or 'solo flights' in aviation. You understand the technical requirements and the prestige associated with these events. You can use the word to describe someone's independent contribution to a large project. You are aware of common collocations like 'going solo' or 'performing a solo.' Your vocabulary is rich enough to use 'solo' to add variety to your descriptions of individual effort and achievement. You can also distinguish it from 'monologue' or 'soliloquy' in literature.

At the C1 level, you use 'solo' with precision and nuance. You understand its etymological roots and how it functions in different registers, from casual slang to formal academic writing. You can discuss the psychological aspects of 'solo' performance, such as the pressure and the skill required. You might use it metaphorically, such as 'navigating the corporate world solo.' You are familiar with idiomatic expressions and can use 'solo' to describe complex social and professional dynamics. Your use of the word reflects a deep understanding of its cultural and technical implications.

At the C2 level, 'solo' is a tool for sophisticated expression. You can analyze the use of 'solo' in various art forms, from the structure of a concerto to the choreography of a solo ballet. You understand its use in specialized fields like 'free solo' climbing or 'solo circumnavigation' in sailing. You can use the word to convey subtle shades of meaning, such as the difference between a 'solo effort' and an 'isolated incident.' Your mastery allows you to use 'solo' in creative writing and high-level discourse to highlight the power and vulnerability of the individual in any context.

Jetzt üben Beispiele Notizen & Tipps

solo in 30 Sekunden

A solo is a performance by one person, usually in music or dance.
It also refers to a flight or task done entirely by oneself.
The word highlights individual skill and independent achievement.
It is commonly used in music, aviation, sports, and professional work.

The word solo is a versatile noun that primarily originates from the world of music, but has expanded its reach into various aspects of human endeavor where an individual acts alone. At its most fundamental level, a solo refers to a musical piece or a specific section of a larger composition that is performed by a single singer or instrumentalist. Imagine a grand orchestra where, suddenly, the violins and brass fall silent, leaving only the haunting melody of a single flute; that moment is a solo. It is a spotlight moment, a chance for an individual to demonstrate their technical prowess, emotional depth, and unique artistic voice without the immediate support or blending of a group.

Musical Context: In classical music, a solo might be a movement in a concerto where the soloist interacts with the orchestra. In jazz, it is often an improvised section where the player creates a new melody over the existing chord progression.

The guitarist stepped to the front of the stage to perform a blistering solo that left the audience in awe.

Beyond the concert hall, the term has taken on a significant meaning in aviation and sports. In flight training, a student's first 'solo' is a monumental milestone—it is the first time they fly an aircraft entirely on their own, without an instructor in the cockpit. This usage emphasizes the transition from guided learning to independent mastery. Similarly, in sports like mountain climbing or sailing, performing an activity 'solo' means doing so without any companions or external assistance, often implying a high degree of risk and self-reliance. The word carries a weight of responsibility; when you are performing a solo, the success or failure of the endeavor rests entirely on your shoulders.

Aviation Context: A student pilot must complete a certain number of hours before they are permitted to fly their first solo, which is a requirement for obtaining a pilot's license.

After months of training, Sarah finally completed her first solo flight across the bay.

In everyday conversation, 'solo' is frequently used as an adverb or adjective to describe doing something alone, such as 'going solo' to a party or 'traveling solo' across Europe. However, as a noun, it specifically denotes the act or the piece of work itself. It implies a sense of focus and distinction. When someone says, 'That was a great solo,' they are praising the specific performance, not just the fact that the person was alone. It is about the quality of the individual contribution within a larger context. Whether it is a drum solo in a rock song or a solo dance in a ballet, the noun form highlights the individual as the center of attention.

Professional Context: In the business world, a 'solo' practitioner refers to a professional, like a lawyer or a consultant, who operates their business entirely on their own without partners.

The jazz pianist ended the set with a soulful solo that brought many to tears.

Ultimately, using the word 'solo' as a noun identifies a specific moment of singular achievement. It distinguishes the individual from the group, elevating their performance to a level of independent scrutiny. It is used in reviews, technical manuals, and casual praise to pinpoint the exact instance where one person took the lead and carried the entire weight of the performance or task. Understanding this word helps you navigate discussions about art, skill, and independence with greater precision.

Using 'solo' as a noun requires understanding its role as a countable object in a sentence. You can have 'a solo', 'the solo', or 'many solos'. It typically follows verbs of performance or creation. For instance, musicians 'play', 'perform', or 'sing' a solo. In a more technical or metaphorical sense, one might 'complete' or 'undertake' a solo. The word often acts as the direct object of these verbs, receiving the action of the performer.

Common Verb Pairings: To perform a solo, to execute a solo, to nail a solo (informal), to compose a solo, to record a solo.

The conductor signaled for the oboist to begin her solo during the second movement.

When describing the type of solo, you can use adjectives or other nouns as modifiers. You might hear about a 'guitar solo', a 'vocal solo', a 'dance solo', or even a 'daunting solo'. These modifiers provide context about the medium or the difficulty of the performance. Furthermore, 'solo' can be used in prepositional phrases to describe the state of an action, such as 'flying solo' or 'singing solo', though in these cases, it often functions more like an adverb. To keep it strictly as a noun, focus on the 'thing' being performed.

💡

Grammar Tip: Remember that 'solo' can be pluralized to 'solos'. For example: 'The concert featured three instrumental solos.'

Descriptive Modifiers: A breathtaking solo, an improvised solo, a brief solo, a challenging solo, a climactic solo.

Every member of the band was given a chance to play a short solo during the encore.

In aviation, the noun 'solo' is often used in the phrase 'first solo'. This is a specific event. You might say, 'He just did his solo,' referring to the entire flight. In this context, it is treated as a milestone or a specific task completed. In academic or professional writing, 'solo' might describe an individual's work in a collaborative project, such as 'the solo contribution of the lead researcher'. This highlights the specific part of the work that was not a group effort.

Sentence Patterns: [Subject] + [Verb] + [Adjective] + solo. Example: 'The singer performed a haunting solo.'

The pilot's logbook recorded the date of his very first solo.

Finally, consider the emotional or social weight the word carries in a sentence. Using 'solo' instead of 'alone' often adds a layer of intentionality or performance. If you say, 'I am going solo,' it sounds like a bold choice or a professional move. If you say, 'I am going alone,' it might sound like a simple statement of fact or even a bit lonely. Choosing 'solo' as a noun emphasizes the individual's role as a performer or a primary actor in their own right.

You are most likely to encounter the word 'solo' in environments where performance and individual skill are celebrated. The most common setting is a concert hall or a music venue. Whether it is a rock concert where the lead guitarist steps into the spotlight for a three-minute 'solo', or a symphony where the first violinist has a 'solo' passage, the word is a staple of musical terminology. You will hear it in introductions ('And now, a drum solo by Dave!'), in reviews ('The saxophone solo was the highlight of the night'), and in backstage discussions among musicians.

Music Industry: Used in album credits, concert programs, and music theory lessons to denote individual parts.

The audience erupted in applause after the singer's powerful solo.

Another major arena for this word is the world of aviation and extreme sports. At small regional airports, you might hear flight instructors talking about their students 'going for their solo'. This is a rite of passage. In the world of mountain climbing, 'free solo' climbing (climbing without ropes) has become a well-known term due to popular documentaries. Here, 'solo' represents the ultimate test of individual ability and nerve. You will also hear it in sailing, especially in 'solo circumnavigation' races where sailors travel around the world alone.

Aviation & Sports: Used to describe flights, climbs, or voyages undertaken by a single person without assistance.

He became the youngest person to complete a solo trek across the Antarctic.

In professional and academic settings, 'solo' is used to describe independent work. A 'solo exhibition' in an art gallery features the work of only one artist. A 'solo author' is the only person credited for a book or research paper. In these contexts, 'solo' denotes a high level of individual contribution and responsibility. You might hear a manager say, 'I want you to take this project solo,' meaning they want you to handle it entirely by yourself without a team. It conveys trust in your individual capabilities.

Art & Academia: Used to describe exhibitions, publications, or projects led by a single individual.

The gallery is hosting a solo show for the emerging sculptor next month.

Lastly, in casual social settings, 'solo' is often used as a shorthand for being single or doing things without a partner. You might hear someone say, 'I'm riding solo tonight,' or 'I've been solo for a few months now.' While this is more of an adverbial or adjectival use, it stems from the noun's core meaning of a single entity. Whether in a high-stakes performance or a simple social choice, 'solo' is the word of choice for highlighting the power and presence of the individual.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 'solo' with 'alone' or 'lonely'. While they all relate to being by oneself, their connotations and grammatical uses differ significantly. 'Solo' as a noun refers to a specific performance or act. 'Alone' is an adjective or adverb meaning without others present. 'Lonely' is an adjective describing a feeling of sadness due to being alone. You wouldn't say 'I performed a lonely' or 'I performed an alone'; you must use 'solo' to describe the performance itself.

Solo vs. Alone: 'Solo' is the performance/act; 'Alone' is the state of being. You fly a solo (noun) while flying alone (adverb).

Incorrect: He played a very alone on the piano. Correct: He played a very beautiful solo on the piano.

Another common error involves the pluralization of the word. Because 'solo' ends in 'o', some learners are tempted to add '-es' (soloes), similar to 'echoes' or 'potatoes'. However, the correct plural is simply 'solos'. This is a common rule for musical terms of Italian origin (like 'pianos', 'cellos', and 'tempos'). Using 'soloes' is a hallmark of a non-native speaker or someone unfamiliar with musical terminology. Always stick to the simple 's' for the plural form.

Confusion with 'Single': 'Single' often refers to marital status or a single item in a series. 'Solo' refers to the act of doing something alone, especially a performance.

Incorrect: The singer released a new solo (meaning a single song). Correct: The singer released a new single, which features a great guitar solo.

Learners also sometimes misuse 'solo' when they mean 'monologue' or 'soliloquy'. While a solo is a musical or physical performance, a 'monologue' is a long speech by one actor in a play or movie, and a 'soliloquy' is a speech where a character speaks their thoughts aloud to themselves. While you could argue a monologue is a 'solo performance', in theater, using the specific terms is much more professional and accurate. Don't call Hamlet's 'To be or not to be' a 'solo'; it is a soliloquy.

Contextual Misuse: Avoid using 'solo' for spoken-word performances where 'monologue' is the standard term.

The actor's ten-minute monologue was the most gripping part of the play.

Finally, be careful with the phrase 'on my solo'. While people say 'on my own' or 'by myself', they rarely say 'on my solo' unless they are specifically referring to a solo flight or a solo performance. If you want to say you did something alone, 'I did it solo' (adverb) or 'I did it on my own' are better choices. Using 'solo' as a noun requires it to be the object of the action, not just a state of being. Mastery of these nuances will make your English sound much more natural.

When you want to express the idea of an individual performance but 'solo' doesn't quite fit the vibe, there are several alternatives. The most direct synonym in a musical context is 'monophony', though this is a technical term referring to a single melodic line without accompaniment. In a more general sense, 'individual performance' or 'one-person show' can be used. These terms are often used in theater or comedy to describe a full production centered on a single individual, whereas a 'solo' is usually just a part of a larger show.

Solo vs. Monologue: A solo is usually musical or physical; a monologue is always spoken.
Solo vs. Soliloquy: A solo is for an audience; a soliloquy is a character talking to themselves.

The comedian's one-man show was a brilliant mix of stand-up and storytelling.

In the context of aviation or sports, 'unassisted' or 'single-handed' are strong alternatives. A 'single-handed' voyage around the world is the same as a 'solo' voyage, but 'single-handed' emphasizes the physical labor involved in managing a craft alone. 'Unassisted' is often used in record-breaking contexts to specify that no outside help, like supply drops or GPS guidance from a team, was used. These words add a layer of technical detail that 'solo' might lack.

Solo vs. Independent: 'Solo' describes the act; 'Independent' describes the status or character of the person.

She completed an unassisted climb of the mountain's north face.

In business or creative fields, 'freelance' or 'autonomous' might be better depending on what you want to emphasize. A 'solo' project is one done alone, but a 'freelance' project is one done for a client without being a permanent employee. 'Autonomous' work emphasizes the freedom and lack of control from others. If you are praising someone's individual effort in a team, you might use 'singular contribution' or 'individual effort' to highlight their specific impact without implying they did the whole thing alone.

Solo vs. Single: 'Solo' is about performance; 'Single' is about quantity or status.

His singular contribution to the research led to a major breakthrough.

Choosing the right word depends on the 'flavor' of independence you want to convey. 'Solo' is perfect for artistic or high-skill performances. 'Unassisted' is great for technical or physical feats. 'Independent' is best for character and status. By understanding these alternatives, you can describe individual achievements with much more color and accuracy, ensuring your message is perfectly understood by your audience.

How Formal Is It?

Formell

Neutral

Informell

Child friendly

Umgangssprache

Wusstest du?

The word 'solo' is used in almost every major language in the world to describe a musical performance, making it a truly global term.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ˈsəʊ.ləʊ/

US /ˈsoʊ.loʊ/

The stress is on the first syllable: SO-lo.

Reimt sich auf

go low show slow no flow glow row

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing it like 'sol-lo' with a short 'o'.
Adding an 'e' sound at the end.
Mixing it up with 'solar'.
Pronouncing the 's' like a 'z'.
Stress on the second syllable.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 1/5

The word is short and common in many contexts.

Schreiben 2/5

Easy to spell, but pluralization can be tricky for some.

Sprechen 1/5

Simple pronunciation with clear vowels.

Hören 1/5

Distinct sound that is easy to recognize.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

alone music play one singer

Als Nächstes lernen

soloist ensemble duet improvise performance

Fortgeschritten

monophony soliloquy virtuoso circumnavigation autonomous

Wichtige Grammatik

Pluralization of Italian musical terms

Solo becomes solos, not soloes.

Using 'solo' as an adverb

He traveled solo (meaning 'he traveled alone').

Compound nouns with 'solo'

Guitar solo, drum solo, dance solo.

Possessive adjectives with 'solo'

My solo, her solo, their solos.

Solo as a post-positive modifier

He flew the plane solo.

Beispiele nach Niveau

He sings a solo in the school play.

Il chante un solo dans la pièce de l'école.

Noun, singular.

I like the guitar solo in this song.

J'aime le solo de guitare dans cette chanson.

Compound noun: guitar solo.

She did a dance solo.

Elle a fait un solo de danse.

Direct object of 'did'.

Is that a piano solo?

Est-ce un solo de piano ?

Interrogative sentence.

The solo was very short.

Le solo était très court.

Subject of the sentence.

He plays a drum solo.

Il joue un solo de batterie.

Present simple tense.

I want to hear your solo.

Je veux entendre ton solo.

Possessive adjective 'your' before solo.

The singer has a beautiful solo.

Le chanteur a un beau solo.

Adjective 'beautiful' modifying solo.

She is preparing for her first violin solo.

Elle se prépare pour son premier solo de violon.

Ordinal number 'first' used with solo.

The band stopped for a bass solo.

Le groupe s'est arrêté pour un solo de basse.

Preposition 'for' introduces the noun.

He finished his solo and sat down.

Il a fini son solo et s'est assis.

Past simple tense.

Do you have a solo in the concert?

As-tu un solo dans le concert ?

Question form.

The solo lasted for three minutes.

Le solo a duré trois minutes.

Verb 'lasted' describes duration.

I practiced my solo all day.

J'ai pratiqué mon solo toute la journée.

Direct object.

Her solo was the best part of the show.

Son solo était la meilleure partie du spectacle.

Superlative 'the best' used in context.

They gave him a trumpet solo.

Ils lui ont donné un solo de trompette.

Indirect object 'him' and direct object 'solo'.

The jazz musician improvised a brilliant solo.

Le musicien de jazz a improvisé un brillant solo.

Verb 'improvised' adds professional context.

He is nervous about his upcoming solo flight.

Il est nerveux à propos de son prochain vol en solo.

Solo used as a modifier for flight.

The exhibition features several solos by the artist.

L'exposition présente plusieurs solos de l'artiste.

Plural form 'solos'.

She decided to go solo after the band split up.

Elle a décidé de se lancer en solo après la séparation du groupe.

Phrase 'go solo' used as an idiom.

The concerto includes a long cello solo.

Le concerto comprend un long solo de violoncelle.

Musical term 'concerto' used.

His solo performance received a standing ovation.

Sa performance en solo a reçu une ovation debout.

Solo used as an adjective here.

I am working on a solo project for school.

Je travaille sur un projet solo pour l'école.

Solo used as an adjective.

The dancer's solo was technically perfect.

Le solo du danseur était techniquement parfait.

Adverb 'technically' modifying the adjective 'perfect'.

The pilot successfully completed his first solo cross-country flight.

Le pilote a terminé avec succès son premier vol solo en campagne.

Technical aviation context.

The guitarist's solo was a masterclass in phrasing.

Le solo du guitariste était une leçon magistrale de phrasé.

Metaphorical use of 'masterclass'.

She launched her solo career with a sold-out tour.

Elle a lancé sa carrière solo avec une tournée à guichets fermés.

Solo career as a compound noun.

The piece concludes with a poignant piano solo.

Le morceau se termine par un poignant solo de piano.

Advanced adjective 'poignant'.

He prefers solo travel because it allows for more flexibility.

Il préfère les voyages en solo car cela permet plus de flexibilité.

Solo used as a noun/adjective for travel.

The soprano's solo was the emotional core of the opera.

Le solo de la soprano était le cœur émotionnel de l'opéra.

Abstract noun 'core' used.

The mountain climber is known for his daring solo ascents.

Le grimpeur est connu pour ses ascensions en solo audacieuses.

Plural noun 'ascents'.

The report was a solo effort, despite the team's name on it.

Le rapport était un effort en solo, malgré le nom de l'équipe dessus.

Contrastive sentence structure.

The virtuoso's solo transcended the technical limitations of the instrument.

Le solo du virtuose a transcendé les limites techniques de l'instrument.

Advanced verb 'transcended'.

Her solo exhibition at the Met was a critical triumph.

Son exposition solo au Met a été un triomphe critique.

Formal art context.

The pilot's solo was a testament to his rigorous training.

Le solo du pilote était un témoignage de son entraînement rigoureux.

Abstract noun 'testament'.

He navigated the complexities of the merger solo.

Il a navigué seul dans les complexités de la fusion.

Solo used as an adverb here.

The flautist's solo provided a moment of ethereal beauty.

Le solo du flûtiste a offert un moment de beauté éthérée.

Sophisticated adjective 'ethereal'.

The author's solo work is much darker than his collaborations.

L'œuvre en solo de l'auteur est beaucoup plus sombre que ses collaborations.

Comparative structure.

She undertook a solo circumnavigation of the globe.

Elle a entrepris une circumnavigation du globe en solo.

Technical term 'circumnavigation'.

The solo section of the concerto is notoriously difficult.

La section solo du concerto est notoirement difficile.

Adverb 'notoriously' modifying 'difficult'.

The pianist's solo was characterized by an almost preternatural sensitivity.

Le solo du pianiste était caractérisé par une sensibilité presque surnaturelle.

Advanced adjective 'preternatural'.

His decision to go solo was seen as a radical departure from his previous work.

Sa décision de se lancer en solo a été vue comme un départ radical par rapport à son travail précédent.

Idiomatic phrase 'radical departure'.

The solo flight served as a crucible for the young pilot's character.

Le vol en solo a servi de creuset pour le caractère du jeune pilote.

Metaphorical use of 'crucible'.

The dancer's solo was an evocative exploration of grief.

Le solo du danseur était une exploration évocatrice du deuil.

Abstract noun 'exploration'.

The solo exhibition curated a narrative of isolation and resilience.

L'exposition solo a organisé un récit d'isolement et de résilience.

Advanced verb 'curated'.

The violinist's solo was the apotheosis of the entire performance.

Le solo du violoniste était l'apothéose de toute la performance.

Advanced noun 'apotheosis'.

She managed the solo venture with aplomb despite the economic downturn.

Elle a géré l'entreprise en solo avec aplomb malgré le ralentissement économique.

Noun 'aplomb' and 'venture'.

The solo was an intricate tapestry of sound and silence.

Le solo était une tapisserie complexe de son et de silence.

Metaphorical use of 'tapestry'.

Synonyme

monody individual performance single feature solitary piece

Gegenteile

duet ensemble chorus

Häufige Kollokationen

guitar solo

vocal solo

first solo

solo flight

solo exhibition

go solo

solo career

drum solo

solo performance

travel solo

Häufige Phrasen

fly solo

ride solo

go solo

solo act

solo venture

solo effort

solo run

solo artist

solo parent

solo trip

Wird oft verwechselt mit

solo vs alone

'Alone' is a state of being; 'solo' is an act or performance.

solo vs lonely

'Lonely' is a sad feeling; 'solo' is usually a proud or technical achievement.

solo vs solar

'Solar' relates to the sun; 'solo' relates to one person.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"flying solo"

Doing something without help or supervision.

After a week of training, I'm finally flying solo at the office.

Informal

"go solo"

To leave a group and start working alone.

He decided to go solo and start his own law firm.

Neutral

"on your solo"

By yourself (less common than 'on your own').

You'll have to handle this on your solo.

Informal

"solo flight"

A metaphor for a first independent attempt at something.

This presentation is my solo flight in front of the board.

Neutral

"riding solo"

Being single or unaccompanied at an event.

I'm riding solo these days after the breakup.

Slang

"a solo mission"

A task you undertake alone, often with great focus.

I'm on a solo mission to find the best pizza in town.

Informal

"solo flyer"

Someone who prefers to work or live alone.

He's always been a bit of a solo flyer.

Informal

"take it solo"

To decide to do something without a partner.

I think I'll take it solo for the rest of the hike.

Informal

"solo gig"

A job or performance done alone.

I've got a solo gig at the cafe on Friday.

Informal

"solo path"

A unique or independent way of doing things.

She chose a solo path in her research.

Neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

solo vs soloist

Both refer to one person.

A 'solo' is the performance; a 'soloist' is the person who performs it.

The soloist played a beautiful solo.

solo vs monologue

Both involve one person performing.

A monologue is spoken; a solo is usually musical or physical.

The actor's monologue was as good as the singer's solo.

solo vs single

Both mean one.

Single refers to number or status; solo refers to the act of doing.

He is single, but he doesn't always perform solo.

solo vs solitary

Both mean alone.

Solitary often implies being alone for a long time or by force; solo is usually a specific task.

He spent a solitary night before his big solo flight.

solo vs soliloquy

Both involve one person on stage.

A soliloquy is a character talking to themselves; a solo is a performance for others.

The play had one soliloquy and two musical solos.

Satzmuster

I play a [instrument] solo.

I play a piano solo.

She is doing her first [activity] solo.

She is doing her first dance solo.

The [person] performed a [adjective] solo.

The singer performed a brilliant solo.

After [event], he decided to go solo.

After the band split, he decided to go solo.

The solo was a [noun] to [person]'s skill.

The solo was a testament to the artist's skill.

Characterized by [noun], the solo [verb] the audience.

Characterized by grace, the solo captivated the audience.

He completed a solo [noun] across [place].

He completed a solo trek across the desert.

Is there a solo in the [event]?

Is there a solo in the concert?

Wortfamilie

Substantive

Verben

Adjektive

Verwandt

So verwendest du es

frequency

Very common in music, aviation, and general descriptions of independence.

Häufige Fehler

He played a soloes. → He played a solo.
Solo is singular; solos is plural. 'Soloes' is not a word.
I feel very solo today. → I feel very lonely today.
Solo describes an action or performance, not a feeling of sadness.
She did an alone dance. → She did a solo dance.
Alone is an adjective/adverb, but solo is the correct noun/modifier for a performance.
The pilot did his first lonely flight. → The pilot did his first solo flight.
In aviation, 'solo' is the technical term for flying without an instructor.
He gave a great monologue on the guitar. → He gave a great solo on the guitar.
Monologues are for speaking; solos are for music or dance.

Tipps

Music Context

Always mention the instrument when talking about a musical solo to be more specific and professional.

Plural Rule

Remember: one solo, two solos. No 'e' is needed before the 's'.

Solo vs Alone

Use 'solo' when you want to sound independent and 'alone' when you just mean nobody else is there.

The First Solo

In aviation, the 'first solo' is a noun phrase that refers to a specific, very important event.

Solo Projects

In a resume, use 'solo project' to highlight tasks you managed entirely on your own.

Adverbial Use

You can use 'solo' after a verb without 'on' or 'by'. Example: 'I traveled solo.'

Spotlight Effect

Use 'solo' to give someone credit for a standout moment in a group activity.

Soloist

Don't forget the word 'soloist' for the person performing the solo.

Solo vs Single

Use 'single' for quantity (one apple) and 'solo' for performance (one singer).

Easy Memory

Solo starts with 'S' like 'Single' and 'Self'. It's all about one person.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'SO-LO'. When you are 'SO' (so) 'LO' (low) on people, you are performing a solo.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a single spotlight shining on one person in the middle of a dark stage.

Word Web

Music Aviation Alone Spotlight Independence Performance Skill Milestone

Herausforderung

Try to use the word 'solo' in three different sentences today: one about music, one about work, and one about a hobby.

Wortherkunft

The word 'solo' entered English in the 17th century, primarily as a musical term. It was borrowed directly from the Italian word 'solo', which means 'alone'. The Italian word itself is derived from the Latin 'solus', which also means 'alone' or 'only'.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: In its original musical context, it referred to a piece of music for a single voice or instrument.

It belongs to the Romance language family via Italian and Latin.

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful not to confuse 'solo' with 'lonely', as 'solo' is usually positive and 'lonely' is negative.

In the US and UK, 'going solo' is a very common phrase for starting a business or leaving a band.

Han Solo from Star Wars The 'Free Solo' documentary about Alex Honnold The song 'Solo' by Clean Bandit

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Music Class

Who wants to play the solo?
Your solo starts at bar 24.
Practice your solo at home.
That was a great vocal solo.

Flight School

When is your first solo?
He just completed his solo.
You need more hours before your solo.
The solo flight went perfectly.

Art Gallery

This is her first solo exhibition.
The gallery is hosting a solo show.
I love this solo piece.
The artist is famous for solo works.

Business Meeting

I'll handle this project solo.
He's a solo entrepreneur.
This was a solo effort by Mark.
We need more than a solo contribution.

Casual Conversation

Are you going solo or with friends?
I'm traveling solo this summer.
He went solo after the band broke up.
I'm riding solo tonight.

Gesprächseinstiege

"Have you ever performed a solo in front of an audience?"

"What is your favorite guitar solo of all time?"

"Would you ever consider going on a solo trip to a foreign country?"

"Do you think it's harder to work in a team or go solo on a project?"

"If you could play any instrument for a solo, what would it be?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Describe a time when you had to do something solo and how it made you feel.

Write about a musical solo that always moves you emotionally.

What are the pros and cons of being a solo entrepreneur versus having a partner?

If you had to fly a plane solo tomorrow, what would be your biggest fear?

Reflect on a 'solo' achievement in your life that you are most proud of.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Yes, 'solo' can be a verb, especially in aviation. For example, 'He soloed for the first time yesterday.' This means he flew the plane alone. In music, it is less common as a verb, but people might say 'He's going to solo now,' meaning he's about to start his solo part.

The plural of solo is 'solos'. You do not add an 'e'. This is the standard plural for most musical terms ending in 'o' that come from Italian, such as pianos, cellos, and solos.

Usually, yes. In music and aviation, it is a sign of skill and achievement. However, in social contexts, 'going solo' can sometimes imply that someone doesn't have friends or a partner, though it is often used to show independence.

A 'free solo' is a type of rock climbing where the climber uses no ropes, harnesses, or other protective equipment. They rely entirely on their own physical strength and skill. It is considered one of the most dangerous forms of climbing.

Yes, you can. It means you are alone or unaccompanied. It is common in casual English, especially when talking about being at an event or being single.

A solo career is when a musician or artist who was previously part of a group starts working and releasing material under their own name. For example, Harry Styles started a solo career after being in One Direction.

It can be both. As a noun, it's the performance ('a guitar solo'). As an adjective, it describes something done alone ('a solo flight'). It can even be an adverb ('he traveled solo').

It is a slang term that means being alone or doing something by yourself. It is often used in songs and by young people to describe their social status.

It is an art show where all the works displayed are by a single artist. It is a major milestone for any professional artist.

You can say, 'I completed the report solo,' or 'This project was a solo effort.' It shows that you did all the work yourself without help from your colleagues.