an isolated thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an isolated thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an object or concept that is separate or detached from others, often implying loneliness or lack of connection. Example: "In the vast landscape, the old tree stood as an isolated thing, far from any other signs of life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"It's an isolated thing," Mr. Spiro said.

The New York Times

This was an isolated thing that happened.

The New York Times - Arts

"I think this was an isolated thing," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Either what's going on there will spread or it's an isolated thing.

The New York Times

It wasn't just an isolated thing; it was part of a whole framework of this type of music – blues and gospel.

The Guardian - Music

"When this happens two games in a row, in the short view it seems to be a concern but over the course of the season, you see it's an isolated thing".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The main thing is this: his petulance was not just some isolated thing.

The New York Times

"We did not view this as some small isolated thing". said Geithner.

The Guardian - Business

"He didn't want to go there and have us be this isolated thing of privilege in this place of enormous destitution and lack of opportunity," Mr. Kidron said.

The New York Times

"My job right now is to see how it's a system not just a series of isolated things going wrong at the same time," she explains.

Vice

He's looking at the body as a system rather than looking at isolated things.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an isolated thing", ensure the context clearly indicates what it is isolated from. Providing this context enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "an isolated thing" when the item in question is part of a clear pattern or system. This can create a misleading impression and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "an isolated thing" is as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object. It serves to describe something as being separate or detached from a larger context. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows examples of its use in describing events, objects, and concepts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an isolated thing" is a noun phrase used to describe something as detached or unconnected, with a neutral tone. While grammatically correct, its frequency is uncommon. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it appears most often in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies what is being isolated and avoid overstating the degree of isolation. Remember that there are multiple alternative phrases to "an isolated thing", such as "a solitary object" and "a detached entity", each with its own nuance. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a solitary object

Focuses on the object's state of being alone, emphasizing its physical separation.

a detached entity

Implies a lack of connection or involvement, often in a more abstract or organizational sense.

a disconnected element

Highlights the absence of a link to a larger system or whole.

a segregated component

Suggests a deliberate separation from others, often for a specific purpose.

a discrete item

Emphasizes the individuality and separateness of the item.

a singular instance

Highlights the uniqueness and infrequency of an occurrence.

an independent case

Stresses the lack of reliance or influence from other instances.

a lone phenomenon

Emphasizes the unusual and unmatched nature of an event or occurrence.

a removed aspect

Indicates something that has been taken away or separated from its original context.

a self-contained unit

Suggests that something is complete and functional on its own, without needing external input.

FAQs

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

Use "an isolated thing" to describe something that is separate, detached, or not connected to a larger context. For example, "The incident was described as "an isolated incident", not indicative of a broader trend."

What are some alternatives to "an isolated thing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a solitary object", "a detached entity", or "a disconnected element". Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different aspect of separation or disconnection.

Is it better to say "an isolated incident" or "an isolated thing"?

The choice depends on the context. "An isolated incident" is specifically used for events, whereas "an isolated thing" is more general and can apply to objects, ideas, or phenomena that are not connected to others. "An isolated incident" is more common.

What does it mean when someone describes something as "an isolated thing"?

It typically means they view it as not part of a pattern, system, or connected series of events. It implies that the item or event is unique and not representative of a larger trend or issue.