Other Ways to Say “Communally”: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding how to express the idea of “communally” in different ways is crucial for enriching your vocabulary and improving your ability to communicate effectively. This article explores various synonyms and alternative phrases that convey the sense of shared ownership, participation, or activity.

Whether you’re writing an essay, giving a presentation, or simply engaging in a conversation, having a range of options at your disposal will enhance your expressiveness and precision. This guide is beneficial for English language learners, writers, and anyone who wishes to refine their communication skills.

We will delve into the nuances of each alternative, providing clear definitions, examples, and usage guidelines. By the end of this article, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to use these words and phrases correctly and confidently.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Definition of “Communally”
• Structural Breakdown
• Types and Categories of Alternatives
  • Adverbs of Manner
  • Prepositional Phrases
  • Adjectives
  • Verbs
  • Idiomatic Expressions
• Examples
  • Examples with Adverbs of Manner
  • Examples with Prepositional Phrases
  • Examples with Adjectives
  • Examples with Verbs
  • Examples with Idiomatic Expressions
• Usage Rules
• Common Mistakes
• Practice Exercises
  • Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
  • Exercise 2: Sentence Rewriting
  • Exercise 3: Error Correction
• Advanced Topics
• FAQ
• Conclusion

Definition of “Communally”

The word “communally” generally refers to something done, held, or used jointly by members of a group or community. It implies a sense of shared responsibility, ownership, or participation.

It describes actions or resources that are not individual but rather belong to or are managed by a collective.

Classification: “Communally” functions as an adverb. Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, providing information about how, when, where, or to what extent something is done.

Function: In a sentence, “communally” describes the manner in which an action is performed. For example, “They lived communally” indicates how they lived – in a shared and collective manner.

Contexts: “Communally” is often used in contexts related to:

• Shared living arrangements (e.g., communes, co-housing)
• Joint ownership of resources (e.g., land, equipment)
• Collaborative projects (e.g., community gardens, group art projects)
• Shared decision-making processes (e.g., community meetings, consensus-based governance)

Structural Breakdown

The word “communally” is derived from the adjective “communal,” which means “shared by all members of a community; for common use.” The suffix “-ly” is added to “communal” to transform it into an adverb.

Root Word: Communal (adjective)

Suffix: -ly (adverbial suffix)

Formation: Communal + -ly = Communally

Understanding this structural breakdown can help you recognize and use other adverbs formed in a similar way. Many adjectives can be converted into adverbs by adding “-ly,” such as “quick” becoming “quickly” or “happy” becoming “happily.”

Types and Categories of Alternatives

There are several ways to express the idea of “communally,” depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. These alternatives can be categorized into adverbs of manner, prepositional phrases, adjectives, verbs, and idiomatic expressions.

Adverbs of Manner

Adverbs of manner describe how an action is performed. They often end in “-ly” but not always.

Some alternatives include: jointly, collectively, collaboratively, cooperatively, unitedly, concertedly, harmoniously, reciprocally.

Prepositional Phrases

Prepositional phrases consist of a preposition and its object. These phrases can function as adverbs, modifying verbs and providing information about how something is done.

Some alternatives include: in common, as a group, together, in a shared manner, by the community, with shared resources, as one.

Adjectives

While “communally” is an adverb, using an adjective with a verb of being or a linking verb can convey a similar meaning. Examples include: shared, collective, joint, common, united, cooperative.

Verbs

Using verbs that imply shared action can also replace “communally.” Examples include: share, collaborate, cooperate, unite, pool, combine, participate.

Idiomatic Expressions

Idiomatic expressions are phrases whose meaning is not predictable from the literal meanings of the words. They often provide a more colorful or nuanced way to express an idea.

Some alternatives include: all in together, in the same boat, hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder.

Examples

The following sections provide examples of how each type of alternative can be used in sentences.

Examples with Adverbs of Manner

Adverbs of manner describe *how* an action is performed. They provide detail and can often replace “communally” to add nuance to your writing.

The table below illustrates using adverbs of manner in place of “communally.”

Original Sentence	Alternative Sentence
They managed the farm communally.	They managed the farm jointly.
The students worked on the project communally.	The students worked on the project collectively.
The artists created the mural communally.	The artists created the mural collaboratively.
The neighbors decided to improve the park communally.	The neighbors decided to improve the park cooperatively.
The team solved the problem communally.	The team solved the problem unitedly.
The musicians performed the piece communally.	The musicians performed the piece concertedly.
The dancers moved communally.	The dancers moved harmoniously.
The countries traded resources communally.	The countries traded resources reciprocally.
They planned the event communally.	They planned the event together.
The community members built the playground communally.	The community members built the playground cohesively.
The shareholders decided to invest communally.	The shareholders decided to invest syndically.
The villagers maintained the irrigation system communally.	The villagers maintained the irrigation system in unison.
The software developers coded the application communally.	The software developers coded the application in coordination.
The historians researched the archive communally.	The historians researched the archive in league.
The activists protested the policy communally.	The activists protested the policy as a body.
The scientists conducted the experiment communally.	The scientists conducted the experiment in collaboration.
The chefs prepared the feast communally.	The chefs prepared the feast in concert.
The athletes trained for the Olympics communally.	The athletes trained for the Olympics as a team.
The board members governed the organization communally.	The board members governed the organization collegially.
The citizens rebuilt the city communally after the disaster.	The citizens rebuilt the city symbiotically after the disaster.
The family shared the responsibilities communally.	The family shared the responsibilities equally.
The choir sang the hymn communally.	The choir sang the hymn harmonically.
The volunteers organized the charity event communally.	The volunteers organized the charity event collectively.
The students studied for the exam communally.	The students studied for the exam collaboratively.
The employees planned the company retreat communally.	The employees planned the company retreat cooperatively.

Examples with Prepositional Phrases

Prepositional phrases offer another way to express shared action or ownership. They often add more descriptive detail than a single adverb.

The following table demonstrates how to use prepositional phrases as alternatives to “communally.”

Original Sentence	Alternative Sentence
They owned the land communally.	They owned the land in common.
The children played communally.	The children played as a group.
The villagers worked on the harvest communally.	The villagers worked on the harvest together.
They managed the resources communally.	They managed the resources in a shared manner.
The project was funded communally.	The project was funded by the community.
They maintained the garden communally.	They maintained the garden with shared resources.
The team worked communally to achieve their goal.	The team worked as one to achieve their goal.
The families shared meals communally.	The families shared meals in fellowship.
The members decided on the rules communally.	The members decided on the rules by consensus.
The artists created the sculpture communally.	The artists created the sculpture through collaboration.
The researchers analyzed the data communally.	The researchers analyzed the data as a consortium.
The musicians composed the symphony communally.	The musicians composed the symphony as an ensemble.
The entrepreneurs started the business communally.	The entrepreneurs started the business in partnership.
The volunteers cleaned the beach communally.	The volunteers cleaned the beach in a joint effort.
The students organized the event communally.	The students organized the event as a collective.
The neighbors resolved the dispute communally.	The neighbors resolved the dispute through dialogue.
The employees planned the project communally.	The employees planned the project as a team.
The citizens governed the town communally.	The citizens governed the town through a council.
The family celebrated the holiday communally.	The family celebrated the holiday with shared traditions.
The committee decided on the budget communally.	The committee decided on the budget through discussion and voting.
They faced the challenge communally.	They faced the challenge side by side.
The residents maintained the apartment building communally.	The residents maintained the apartment building through a cooperative.
The gamers played the game communally.	The gamers played the game in a clan.
The writers wrote the book communally.	The writers wrote the book as a writing group.
The dancers choreographed the performance communally.	The dancers choreographed the performance through improvisation.

Examples with Adjectives

Using adjectives in conjunction with linking verbs (like “is,” “are,” “was,” “were”) can effectively convey the idea of shared action or ownership. This approach often provides a more descriptive and nuanced understanding.

Consider the examples in the table below.

Original Sentence	Alternative Sentence
Their responsibility was managed communally.	Their responsibility was shared.
The decision was made communally.	The decision was collective.
The effort was undertaken communally.	The effort was joint.
The property was owned communally.	The property was common.
Their goal was achieved communally.	Their goal was united.
The project was completed communally.	The project was cooperative.
The farm was managed communally.	The farm management was collaborative.
The agreement was made communally.	The agreement was consensual.
The task was performed communally.	The task was communal.
The resources are used communally.	The resources are shared.
The land is cultivated communally.	The land cultivation is joint.
The responsibility is divided communally.	The responsibility division is collective.
The expenses are paid communally.	The expense payment is shared.
The decision-making is done communally.	The decision-making is cooperative.
The effort is coordinated communally.	The effort coordination is joint.
The resources are managed communally.	The resource management is collective.
The property is maintained communally.	The property maintenance is shared.
The event is organized communally.	The event organization is collaborative.
The project is planned communally.	The project planning is joint.
The knowledge is acquired communally.	The knowledge acquisition is shared.
The power is distributed communally.	The power distribution is collective.
The ideas are generated communally.	The idea generation is collaborative.
The wisdom is accumulated communally.	The wisdom accumulation is shared.
The success is celebrated communally.	The success celebration is joint.
The future is built communally.	The future building is collective.

Examples with Verbs

Using verbs that inherently imply shared action can be a powerful way to replace “communally.” This approach often adds dynamism and emphasizes the collaborative nature of the activity. Consider the examples in the table below.

Original Sentence	Alternative Sentence
They lived communally.	They shared their living space.
They worked communally on the project.	They collaborated on the project.
They decided communally on the plan.	They cooperated in creating the plan.
They achieved their goals communally.	They united to achieve their goals.
They managed their resources communally.	They pooled their resources.
They created the artwork communally.	They combined their talents to create the artwork.
They participated communally in the event.	They all participated in the event.
The students learned communally.	The students shared their knowledge.
The neighbors gardened communally.	The neighbors collaborated on the garden.
The team planned communally.	The team cooperated in the planning process.
The researchers investigated communally.	The researchers pooled their expertise.
The musicians performed communally.	The musicians harmonized their performance.
The entrepreneurs invested communally.	The entrepreneurs combined their capital.
The volunteers organized communally.	The volunteers collaborated on the organization.
The citizens governed communally.	The citizens cooperated in governing.
The family celebrated communally.	The family shared their celebration.
The committee decided communally.	The committee agreed on a decision.
The group faced the challenge communally.	The group united to face the challenge.
The residents maintained the building communally.	The residents cooperated in maintaining the building.
The gamers played communally.	The gamers teamed up to play.
The writers wrote communally.	The writers collaborated on the writing.
The dancers choreographed communally.	The dancers cooperated in the choreography.
The members supported each other communally.	The members shared their support.
They advanced the project communally.	They collaborated to advance the project.
They envisioned the future communally.	They co-created the vision of the future.

Examples with Idiomatic Expressions

Idiomatic expressions can add color and personality to your writing or speech. They are often more informal but can be very effective in conveying the idea of shared effort or experience.

The table below provides examples of idiomatic expressions that can be used instead of “communally.”

Original Sentence	Alternative Sentence
They were all involved communally in the project.	They were all in together on the project.
They faced the difficulties communally.	They were in the same boat when facing the difficulties.
They worked communally to achieve their goals.	They worked hand in hand to achieve their goals.
They supported each other communally during the crisis.	They stood shoulder to shoulder during the crisis.
They shared the responsibilities communally.	They were all pulling their weight.
The team worked communally to solve the problem.	The team put their heads together to solve the problem.
They shared their resources communally.	They chipped in their resources.
They participated communally in the event.	They were all part of the same team in the event.
They solved the puzzle communally.	They cracked the code together.
They built the house communally.	They raised the barn together.
They shared the burden communally.	They shared the load.
They volunteered communally.	They were all pitching in.
They managed the project communally.	They were all on board.
They contributed their ideas communally.	They all threw their hats in the ring.
They made the decision communally.	They were all of one mind.
They shared the secret communally.	They were all in cahoots.
They achieved success communally.	They were all in the winner’s circle.
They faced the music communally.	They were all in it together.
They took responsibility communally.	They were all in the firing line.
They worked on the farm communally.	They were all hands on deck.
They shared the profits communally.	They all reaped the rewards together.
They invested their time communally.	They all put their time in.
They celebrated the victory communally.	They all toasted to success.
They experienced the journey communally.	They were all along for the ride.
They supported the cause communally.	They all carried the torch.

Usage Rules

When choosing an alternative to “communally,” consider the following rules:

• Context: Select an alternative that fits the specific context of the sentence. For example, “jointly” might be suitable for describing a business venture, while “together” might be more appropriate for describing a social activity.
• Nuance: Pay attention to the subtle differences in meaning between the alternatives. “Collectively” emphasizes the group as a whole, while “collaboratively” highlights the cooperative effort involved.
• Formality: Consider the level of formality required. Idiomatic expressions are generally more informal than adverbs of manner.
• Clarity: Choose the alternative that is clearest and most easily understood by your audience. Avoid using obscure or overly technical terms.
• Grammar: Ensure that the alternative fits grammatically within the sentence. For example, if you replace “communally” with an adjective, make sure to use a linking verb.

Common Mistakes

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using alternatives to “communally”:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
They shared the work communal.	They shared the work communally.	“Communal” is an adjective; “communally” is an adverb.
They worked in common together.	They worked in common. / They worked together.	Avoid redundancy. “In common” and “together” convey similar meanings.
The decision was make jointly.	The decision was made jointly.	Ensure correct verb tense and agreement.
They collaborated to each other.	They collaborated with each other.	“Collaborate” requires the preposition “with.”
They united as one mind.	They united as one. / They were of one mind.	Use the correct form of the idiomatic expression.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding with the following exercises.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate alternative to “communally” from the list below.

Options: jointly, collaboratively, in common, shared, together

Question	Answer
1. They owned the business __________.	jointly
2. The students worked __________ on the research paper.	collaboratively
3. They had many interests __________.	in common
4. The responsibility for the project was __________.	shared
5. The team achieved their goal __________.	together
6. The roommates cleaned the apartment __________.	together
7. The neighbors maintained the garden __________.	jointly
8. The artists created the mural __________.	collaboratively
9. They had a vision __________.	in common
10. The workload was __________.	shared

Exercise 2: Sentence Rewriting

Rewrite the following sentences using an alternative to “communally.”

Original Sentence	Rewritten Sentence
1. They managed the farm communally.	They managed the farm jointly.
2. The children played communally.	The children played as a group.
3. The villagers worked on the harvest communally.	The villagers worked together on the harvest.
4. They owned the land communally.	They owned the land in common.
5. The students studied communally.	The students studied collaboratively.
6. The employees planned the retreat communally.	The employees planned the retreat together.
7. The board members decided communally.	The board members decided jointly.
8. The family celebrated the holiday communally.	The family celebrated the holiday as one.
9. The committee organized the event communally.	The committee organized the event collaboratively.
10. The residents maintained the building communally.	The residents maintained the building jointly.

Exercise 3: Error Correction

Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.

Incorrect Sentence	Corrected Sentence
1. They share the work communal.	They share the work communally.
2. They worked in common together on the project.	They worked in common on the project. / They worked together on the project.
3. The decision was make jointly by the team.	The decision was made jointly by the team.
4. They collaborated to each other to achieve their goal.	They collaborated with each other to achieve their goal.
5. The group united as one minds to solve the problem.	The group united as one to solve the problem. / The group was of one mind to solve the problem.
6. They acted joint in the endeavor.	They acted jointly in the endeavor.
7. They lived in a shared mannerly.	They lived in a shared manner.
8. They pooled their resources as one mind.	They pooled their resources as one.
9. They decided by consensus together.	They decided by consensus. / They decided together.
10. They were all in the same boat together.	They were all in the same boat.

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, consider exploring the historical and cultural contexts of communal living and collaborative practices. Research different types of communal societies, such as kibbutzim, communes, and co-housing communities.

Investigate the philosophical and political ideologies that underpin these practices, such as socialism, anarchism, and environmentalism. Additionally, explore the legal and economic aspects of communal ownership and management.

Another advanced topic is the study of collective intelligence and swarm intelligence. These concepts explore how groups of individuals or agents can solve complex problems more effectively than individuals working alone.

Research the algorithms and strategies used in these systems and their applications in fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and business management.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about using alternatives to “communally”:

1. Is there a significant difference in meaning between “jointly” and “collectively”?

   Yes, while both words suggest shared action, “jointly” often implies a more formal or legal agreement, whereas “collectively” emphasizes the group as a single entity acting together. “Jointly” might be used to describe a business partnership, while “collectively” might be used to describe a community effort.

2. When is it appropriate to use an idiomatic expression instead of “communally”?

   Idiomatic expressions are best used in informal contexts where you want to add color and personality to your language. Avoid using them in formal writing or professional presentations, where clarity and precision are paramount.

3. How can I avoid redundancy when using alternatives to “communally”?

   Be mindful of using phrases that repeat the same idea. For example, avoid saying “They worked in common together” because “in common” and “together” convey similar meanings. Choose one or the other.

4. Are there any alternatives to “communally” that are more specific to certain contexts?

   Yes, some alternatives are more appropriate for specific contexts. For example, “cooperatively” might be used in the context of teamwork, while “reciprocally” might be used in the context of trade or exchange.

5. How can I improve my vocabulary of alternatives to “communally”?

   Read widely

   and pay attention to how different authors use synonyms and related phrases. Use a thesaurus to explore alternative words and phrases, but always check their definitions and usage examples to ensure that you are using them correctly. Practice using these alternatives in your own writing and speaking.

6. What are some common misconceptions about communal living?

   Some common misconceptions include the belief that communal living is only for hippies or that it involves a complete loss of privacy and individuality. In reality, communal living can take many forms, and many communities prioritize both shared resources and individual autonomy.

7. How does the choice of alternative to “communally” affect the tone of a sentence?

   The choice of alternative can significantly affect the tone. For example, using “jointly” might create a more formal and business-like tone, while using “together” might create a more casual and friendly tone. Idiomatic expressions can add a playful or folksy tone.

8. Are there any cultural differences in the understanding or use of “communally” and its alternatives?

   Yes, different cultures may have different values and attitudes toward communal living and collaborative practices. Some cultures may place a greater emphasis on individualism, while others may prioritize collectivism. These cultural differences can influence the understanding and use of “communally” and its alternatives.

9. Can using alternatives to “communally” help me avoid plagiarism?

   Yes, using synonyms and paraphrasing can help you avoid plagiarism by expressing ideas in your own words. However, it is important to properly cite your sources, even when you are using alternatives to the original wording.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering alternatives to “communally” enhances your ability to communicate effectively and precisely. By understanding the nuances of adverbs of manner, prepositional phrases, adjectives, verbs, and idiomatic expressions, you can tailor your language to suit different contexts and audiences.

Practice using these alternatives in your writing and speaking to enrich your vocabulary and improve your overall communication skills. Remember to consider the context, nuance, formality, and clarity when choosing an alternative, and avoid common mistakes by paying attention to grammar and usage rules.

With consistent effort, you can confidently and accurately express the idea of shared action and ownership in a variety of ways.