an isolated step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an isolated step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a single action or measure that is separate from a larger process or series of actions. Example: "In the experiment, we took an isolated step to test the hypothesis before proceeding with the full procedure."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

In fact the planar waveguide is an isolated step in the direction perpendicular to the plan.

Physica E: Low-dimensional Systems and Nanostructures

When assessing it, it is therefore necessary to understand the fact that this is not an isolated step or a single decision, but a set of causes, influences and factors (including their mutual combinations) that make up the overall reliability.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

The verification is usually an isolated step performed on the more or less finalized design, she explained, adding that it is highly likely that later a design is discovered to be very difficult to verify specifically because its verifiability was not considered in the design stage.

Duke University

Complex IV activity was then determined as an isolated step of the respiratory chain (VTMPD).

BioMed Research International

In these conditions, the activity of cytochrome c oxidase (complex IV) was determined as an isolated step of the respiratory chain (Vtmpd) [ 24].

BioMed Research International

In these conditions, the activity of cytochrome c oxydase (complex IV) was determined as an isolated step of the respiratory chain (Vtmpd).

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

One group of investigators showed, using isolated step changes in heart rate in patients with pacemakers, that it is possible to increase ventilation in resting patients, and that this was likely to be via the chemoreflex (21).

American Journal of Physiology - Regulatory Integrative and Comparative Physiology

However, many models focus on isolated steps of the signaling such as e.g. IKK dephosphorylation [51].

Plosone

"To our knowledge, what occurred in the college at San Bernardino is an isolated incident and every step has been taken to assure that it would not happen again there..

Los Angeles Times

(Lisa steps into an isolated area of light, center stage).

The New York Times

In July the popular Communist Party leader, Togliatti, was shot by an isolated right-winger on the steps of parliament.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an isolated step" to clearly delineate a specific action from a broader process, ensuring clarity and focus in your writing. It is used to describe a single action or measure that is separate from a larger process or series of actions.

Common error

Avoid using "an isolated step" when the action is intrinsically linked to other steps or heavily dependent on prior actions. Ensure that the step truly stands alone in its context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an isolated step" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It often describes a specific, self-contained action within a larger process, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an isolated step" is a grammatically correct and usable English expression, primarily functioning as a noun phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it typically denotes a distinct, independent action or stage within a broader process. While not overly common, it finds frequent use in science, news media, and academic writing, implying a professional or neutral register. To enhance clarity, ensure the "step" is truly independent. Consider alternatives like ""a standalone action"" when appropriate. Avoid using it if the action is closely linked to others. The phrase's effectiveness lies in its ability to emphasize the singularity of a particular action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a standalone action

Stresses that the action can be performed independently, without relying on other actions.

a solitary action

Emphasizes the singular and independent nature of the action.

an individual measure

Focuses on the action as a specific, independent unit of measurement or action.

a distinct operation

Focuses on the clear and recognizable nature of the operation.

a discrete stage

Highlights the separateness and distinctness of the step within a process.

an independent phase

Like 'discrete stage', but emphasizes that the isolated part is a phase.

a self-contained task

Highlights the completeness and independence of the task.

a singular undertaking

Emphasizes the unique character of the undertaking.

a one-off event

Emphasizes the uniqueness and non-recurring nature of the event.

a unique proceeding

Highlights the special or distinctive nature of the action or event.

FAQs

How can "an isolated step" be used in a sentence?

You can use "an isolated step" to describe a single action or measure that is separate from a larger process or series of actions. For example: "The verification is usually "an isolated step" performed on the more or less finalized design".

What are some alternatives to "an isolated step"?

Alternatives include "a standalone action", "a separate measure", or "a discrete stage", depending on the specific context.

Is "an isolated step" formal or informal?

"An isolated step" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's more common in technical or professional settings where precise language is important.

When is it inappropriate to use "an isolated step"?

It's inappropriate when the step isn't truly independent or when it's closely intertwined with other actions. In such cases, phrases like "an integrated component" or "a related action" may be more suitable.