an isolated example of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an isolated example of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a single instance that stands out from others, often in a discussion or analysis of a broader topic. Example: "The study presented an isolated example of how climate change can impact local wildlife."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Palin was not an isolated example of McCain's fecklessness.

The New York Times - Books

He citied [Martinez] as an isolated example of one man, that it was not endemic.

The Guardian

Chicago's loitering ordinance is not an isolated example of proactive policing.

Yale University

It was not an isolated example of The Times's needling peer news organizations.

The New York Times

Embraer is an isolated example of a big high-tech exporter.

The Economist

That would normally be regarded as an act of treachery, but it is not an isolated example of traditional Labour supporters turning on their own.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Naturally, this spurred speculation whether the dynamic range observed in the Z-loop of MtFBA and the ability of HCA to capitalize on this feature is an isolated example, representative of only class IIa FBAs, or of class II FBAs in general.

Biochemistry

Fagin showed that this is not an isolated example; every NP property of finite graphs is definable by a Σ-1-1 sentence of second-order logic.

SEP

That isn't an isolated example; it's the tip of the ignorance iceberg, and it's coming to a measles-ridden school near you.

Huffington Post

Georges Bizet's Carmen (1875) is a late, isolated example of opéra-comique, possessing spoken dialogue but dealing with a tragic theme.

Britannica

The worst of it is that Blackwall Reach is not an isolated example, but is all too typical.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an isolated example of" to emphasize that a particular instance should not be generalized to a wider trend or pattern. This helps maintain accuracy and avoid overstating conclusions.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "an isolated example of" something is representative of a larger pattern. Always provide additional evidence or context to support broader claims.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an isolated example of" functions as a qualifier, specifying that a particular instance is not representative or typical. It introduces a specific case that should not be generalized to a broader trend. Ludwig AI confirms this correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an isolated example of" is a qualifier used to indicate that a particular instance is not representative and should not be generalized. As confirmed by Ludwig, its primary function is to prevent overgeneralization by emphasizing the unique nature of a case. It is suitable for neutral contexts, including news, academia, and general discourse. Common errors involve assuming representativeness and neglecting broader context. Remember to caution against hasty conclusions when using this phrase. A range of alternatives exists, such as "a unique case of" and "a solitary instance of", which you can use to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a singular instance

Emphasizes the uniqueness of the event.

a solitary instance of

Focuses on the single occurrence of something.

a unique case of

Emphasizes the distinctiveness and rarity of the occurrence.

an exceptional illustration of

Highlights the unusual and noteworthy nature of the example.

a non-representative case

Specifically indicates that the example should not be taken as typical.

a one-off situation

Indicates that the situation is unlikely to be repeated.

an infrequent occurrence of

Stresses the uncommon nature of the event.

a rare manifestation of

Highlights the unusual way something appears or occurs.

an uncommon phenomenon

Highlights the infrequency and unusual nature of the observed event.

an atypical demonstration of

Suggests that the example is not representative of the norm.

FAQs

How can I use "an isolated example of" in a sentence?

Use "an isolated example of" to introduce a specific case that is not typical or representative. For instance, "This incident is "an isolated example of" a larger problem."

What are some alternatives to "an isolated example of"?

You can use alternatives like "a unique case of", "a solitary instance of", or "an exceptional illustration of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When should I use "an isolated example of" versus "a typical example of"?

Use "an isolated example of" when you want to emphasize that a case is not representative. Use "a typical example of" when the case is representative of a broader trend or pattern.

Is it correct to say "an isolate example of" instead of "an isolated example of"?

No, "isolate" is a verb, and "isolated" is the correct adjective to use in this context. Therefore, ""an isolated example of"" is the grammatically correct phrase.