an isolated situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an isolated situation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a circumstance that is separate or distinct from others, often implying that it is not part of a larger pattern or trend. Example: "The report highlighted an isolated situation where the company's profits increased despite the overall market downturn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

[It] shows an isolated situation within a movie that has an internal logic.

The Guardian - Film

"For one thing, I don't see Ganim being an isolated situation," she said.

The New York Times

We have this sinking feeling that what is happening there may not be an isolated situation".

The New York Times

Throughout his adult life Dave has shut himself off, with a partner, in quite an isolated situation.

The Guardian - Music

Reliant Resources, based in Houston, called it an "isolated situation" that stemmed from unauthorized actions by some traders.

The New York Times

"Our children were grown and gone, we didn't know our neighbors, and my wife was not happy in what had become an isolated situation".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

But this is an isolated spot.

BBC

Never leave it in an isolated place.

WikiHow

Thus, a lack of social support networks left participants in a vulnerable and isolated situation in their communities and in the host country, with consequent impact upon health service use [ 51, 52].

BMC Health Services Research

The importance of talking to the children has been reiterated often and yet Daniel appears to have been quite alone, a vulnerability increased by his "poor language skills and isolated situation".

BBC

It worked well in this isolated situation but we'll have to wait and see what happens when it hits the market and thousands of folks are hitting their servers at once.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an isolated situation" to emphasize that a particular event or circumstance is not representative of a larger trend or pattern. This helps to avoid generalizations and ensures clarity in communication.

Common error

Avoid drawing broad conclusions or making sweeping statements based solely on "an isolated situation". Always consider the broader context and look for corroborating evidence before forming an opinion or making a decision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an isolated situation" functions as a noun phrase, where 'isolated' modifies 'situation'. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig AI shows the phrase being used to qualify a specific event or circumstance as distinct and not indicative of a broader trend.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an isolated situation" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a distinct circumstance that is not part of a broader trend. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility across various contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, it's crucial to emphasize the uniqueness of the situation to avoid overgeneralizations. Alternatives such as ""a unique case"" or ""a one-off event"" can provide nuanced variations, but the core meaning remains consistent: highlighting the singularity of the event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unique case

Emphasizes the distinctiveness and singularity of the event.

a one-off event

Highlights that the situation is unlikely to be repeated.

an exceptional instance

Suggests the situation is unusual and stands out from the norm.

a singular occurrence

Focuses on the fact that the event happened only once.

an independent event

Stresses the lack of connection to other events.

a discrete incident

Implies that the situation is self-contained and separate.

a standalone case

Highlights that the situation is not part of a larger series or trend.

an uncommon circumstance

Emphasizes the rarity of the situation.

an atypical event

Suggests that the situation deviates from the typical pattern.

an anomaly

Indicates a deviation from the norm or expected outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "an isolated situation" to describe something that is separate or distinct from others. For example: "The company's success in that region was "an isolated situation" and did not reflect overall performance."

What are some alternatives to "an isolated situation"?

Alternatives include "a unique case", "a one-off event", or "an exceptional instance", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "an isolated situation"?

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize that an event is not part of a larger trend or pattern, and should be considered separately. It suggests that the event is unique and not representative of typical circumstances.

Is "an isolated situation" the same as "an isolated incident"?

While similar, "an isolated situation" is broader and can refer to circumstances or conditions, whereas "an isolated incident" typically refers to a specific event or occurrence.