an isolated event

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an isolated event" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an occurrence that is not part of a larger pattern or series of events. Example: "The sudden storm was an isolated event, not indicative of the usual weather patterns for this time of year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This isn't an isolated event.

The New York Times

It was not an isolated event.

The Guardian

The bomb seemed an isolated event.

The Guardian - Travel

One gaffe is an isolated event.

The New Yorker

That storm was not an isolated event.

The New York Times - Tech

Osborne's speech was not an isolated event.

The New York Times

And his violent reaction was not an isolated event.

The New York Times - Arts

Today, Brockovich says Hinkley wasn't an isolated event.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The demise of the Guardian isn't an isolated event.

The New Yorker

That episode of dumping was not an isolated event.

The New York Times

What happened in Newtown is not an isolated event.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an isolated event", ensure that the context clearly supports the idea of the event being unconnected to other occurrences. Avoid using it when the event is part of a pattern or trend.

Common error

Avoid describing something as "an isolated event" if it's clearly part of a larger sequence or trend. This can mislead your audience and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an isolated event" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It describes a specific occurrence that is not related to or part of a larger pattern, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an isolated event" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a singular occurrence not linked to a broader pattern. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability across diverse contexts. The phrase sees prominent use in News & Media sources, with neutral register. When using "an isolated event", ensure clarity and contextual support, avoiding its application to recurring situations. Consider alternatives like "a one-time occurrence" or "a singular incident" depending on the specific shade of meaning you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a one-time occurrence

Replaces "event" with "occurrence" and emphasizes the singularity of the event.

a singular incident

Emphasizes the individual and distinct nature of the event as an incident.

an isolated case

Similar meaning, but may apply more to instances or examples within a broader context.

an exceptional instance

Highlights the unusual and possibly non-repeatable nature of the occurrence.

a unique episode

Uses "episode" to suggest a distinct and self-contained event.

a freak occurrence

Implies the event was unusual and unexpected, possibly random.

a one-off situation

Informal phrasing emphasizing the event will not be repeated.

an atypical happening

Focuses on the event being not typical or representative.

an unprecedented case

Emphasizes that the event has never happened before.

a solitary event

Focuses on the event being separate and unconnected.

FAQs

How can I use "an isolated event" in a sentence?

Use "an isolated event" to describe something that happened once and is not expected to recur or be part of a larger pattern. For example, "The power outage was "an isolated event" and did not affect other parts of the city".

What can I say instead of "an isolated event"?

You can use alternatives like "a one-time occurrence", "a singular incident", or "a unique episode" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "an isolated event" to describe a recurring problem?

No, using "an isolated event" to describe a recurring problem would be incorrect. The phrase implies that the event is unique and not part of a pattern. In the case of a recurring problem, other options would be more fitting, like describing the problem as "a recurring issue" or "a systemic problem".

What's the difference between ""an isolated event"" and "a coincidence"?

"An isolated event" refers to something happening on its own, without connection to other events, while "a coincidence" implies two or more things happening at the same time by chance in a surprising or unplanned way.