an isolated question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an isolated question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question that stands alone or is not connected to other questions or topics. Example: "In the survey, I included an isolated question to gauge participants' opinions on the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And that wasn't an isolated question.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

This differs from asking a single isolated question about the issue, in which case it would not be possible to evaluate inconsistencies.

BioMed Research International

Projects are too often realized on isolated questions failing to integrate them according to higher-ranking goals or frameworks.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

However, this study (unlike others) measured anticipated regret with isolated questions, and the authors speculated that this may have been too blatant and that participants may have interpreted the obvious anticipated regret questions as an unsubtle emotional appeal.

BMC Public Health

Mr Juneau has welcomed the inquiry, and claimants' lawyers say they believe that any impropriety, "if confirmed, will prove to be an isolated incident".The question now is whether the appeals court will want to wade into a battle over accounting terminology, given that the lower court has already approved Mr Juneau's interpretation.

The Economist

While we are confident that this was an isolated incident, the fundraiser in question is no longer with Senate Majority PAC".

Huffington Post

It's an isolated example, but raises bigger questions about how a certain trope of gay men have allowed a savage hierarchy of attraction to dominate over others.

Vice

The key question, especially for an isolated transgression, is "was the marriage bad and someone strayed, or did someone stray without provocation or justification".

Huffington Post

"The big question is: Is this an isolated incident or is it part of a pattern?" Mr. Edgar said.

The New York Times

The big question is whether Japan is an isolated example, or signals a broader shift in demand.

The Economist

"I believe this is an isolated incident," the chief said, while declining to answer other questions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "an isolated question", ensure that the context clearly indicates that the question is unrelated to any other topic or line of inquiry. This emphasizes its independence and uniqueness.

Common error

Avoid using "an isolated question" when the question is part of a series or connected to a broader theme. Using it in such cases can create confusion and misrepresent the actual relationship between the questions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an isolated question" functions as a noun phrase, modifying the noun "question" to specify its nature. It indicates that the question is singular and not related to other questions in the context. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academic

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an isolated question" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a question that is singular and unrelated to other questions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English and found in both News & Media and Science contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the context reflects the independence of the question. Alternatives like "a standalone question" or "a single question" can provide similar meanings while varying the emphasis. However, beware of misinterpreting the context and using the phrase when the question is actually part of a series or connected to a broader theme.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a standalone question

Focuses on the independence of the question from any connected inquiries.

a single question

Emphasizes the numerical aspect, highlighting that only one question is posed.

an unconnected question

Highlights the lack of any relationship between the question and other inquiries.

a discrete question

Emphasizes that the question is separate and distinct.

an independent question

Highlights the self-contained nature of the question.

a detached question

Highlights the separation from a main subject.

a solitary question

Stresses the uniqueness and lack of accompaniment of the question.

a lone question

Conveys the idea that the question stands by itself.

an unrelated question

Focuses on the lack of a direct relationship.

a separate question

Emphasizes the distinction from other questions.

FAQs

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

You can use "an isolated question" to describe a question that is unrelated to other questions or topics. For instance, "In the survey, I included "an isolated question" to gauge participants' opinions on the new policy."

What are some alternatives to "an isolated question"?

Alternatives include "a standalone question", "a single question", or "an unconnected question" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "an isolated question"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that the question is not part of a series or connected to a larger topic. It implies that the question stands alone and should be considered separately.

What's the difference between "an isolated question" and "a follow-up question"?

"An isolated question" is unrelated to any prior questions, while "a follow-up question" directly relates to and expands upon a previous inquiry. One stands alone, the other builds on existing information.