be held in isolation

USAGE SUMMARY

"be held in isolation" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It means to be kept separate from others or to be placed in a situation where one is alone and without contact with others. Example: Due to his illness, John had to be held in isolation at the hospital for several days to prevent the spread of the infection.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Mikakos said the shortage of youth justice beds meant some may be held in isolation.

The Guardian

No gene or even set of genes can be held in isolation of the systems in which they exist.

The New York Times

She said he was on suicide watch in jail and was expected to be held in isolation.

The Guardian

Abdeslam is to be held in isolation in the high-security prison Fleury Mérogis, 20 miles south of Paris.

The Guardian

This principle cannot be held in isolation from the fate of other public services, many of which are being torn to pieces by the coalition.

The Guardian - Opinion

He also ordered that children not be held in isolation cells for more than 24 hours -- and then only if they posed a threat to themselves or others.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Political prisoners are held in isolation from other prisoners.

The Guardian

Nelson Mandela, then being held in isolation, was barred from the Makana Football Association.

The New Yorker

Willingham was held in isolation in a sixty-square-foot cell, twenty-three hours a day.

The New Yorker

"He is now being held in isolation," said Deputy Dawn Hanke, a sheriff's department spokeswoman.

The New York Times

The female activists, unlike the men, were held in isolation cells.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal or penal contexts, use "be held in isolation" to specifically denote the act of separating an individual from the general population, often with implications of restricted communication and movement.

Common error

Avoid using "be held in isolation" when the context requires indicating separation due to contagious illness. "Quarantine" is the appropriate term for preventing the spread of disease.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be held in isolation" functions as a passive verb phrase. It describes the state of someone or something being kept apart from others. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be held in isolation" is a grammatically correct passive verb phrase used to describe the state of being kept separate from others. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, often in contexts relating to prisons, medical quarantines, and legal situations. While grammatically sound, it's important to consider context and avoid misusing it when terms like "quarantine" are more appropriate. Related phrases include "be kept in solitary confinement" and "be sequestered", each carrying nuanced differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be kept in solitary confinement

Focuses specifically on the penal context and solitary conditions, adding emphasis on the confinement aspect.

be placed in quarantine

Implies isolation due to contagious disease or condition, a specific type of separation.

be sequestered

A more formal and often legal term for being isolated or separated, implying a deliberate act.

be confined to quarters

Suggests a restriction of movement to a specific area, such as one's living space.

be secluded

Indicates a state of being remote and apart from society or other people.

be segregated

Highlights the act of separating a group or individual from others, often due to discriminatory reasons.

be detained incommunicado

Emphasizes the lack of communication with the outside world during detention.

be estranged

Suggests a separation from family or loved ones, often due to emotional reasons.

be set apart

General term for being distinguished and separated from others, not necessarily in a negative or restrictive sense.

be distanced

Emphasizes the act of creating a gap between oneself and others, either physically or emotionally.

FAQs

What does it mean to "be held in isolation"?

To "be held in isolation" means to be kept separate from others, often in a confined space, with limited or no contact with the outside world. This phrase is commonly used in contexts such as prisons or hospitals.

In what situations might someone "be held in isolation"?

Someone might "be held in isolation" in various situations, including as a form of punishment in prison, for medical quarantine purposes, or for protective custody. The reasons for isolation vary depending on the context.

What are some alternative phrases for "be held in isolation"?

Alternatives to "be held in isolation" include "be kept in solitary confinement" (specifically in a penal setting), "be placed in quarantine" (due to illness), or "be sequestered" (for legal or protective reasons).

Is there a difference between "be held in isolation" and "be held in segregation"?

While both phrases imply separation, "be held in isolation" often suggests a more complete form of separation, with limited or no contact with others. "Be held in segregation" may refer to separation from a specific group, but not necessarily complete isolation from all contact.