in isolation

USAGE SUMMARY

"in isolation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something is being considered separately from other factors. For example, "The financial impact of the pandemic cannot be fully assessed in isolation from the social and psychological impacts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He dies in isolation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It sticks up in isolation.

Independent

We're not working in isolation".

The New York Times

Crises don't happen in isolation.

The New York Times

We don't live in isolation.

The New York Times

"We live in isolation.

The New York Times

Nor should it be seen in isolation.

Independent

No scientist worked in isolation, he said.

The Economist

But neither will anything else in isolation.

The Economist

None can be achieved in isolation".

The New York Times

Srebrenica cannot, however, be seen in isolation.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase "in isolation", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being separated or considered apart from other elements. This will help avoid ambiguity and ensure effective communication.

Common error

Avoid assuming that something truly exists "in isolation" when it is invariably connected to other factors. Acknowledge potential influences, even when focusing on a specific element separately. Consider the bigger picture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in isolation" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate that an action or situation is considered or occurs separately from other factors. Ludwig examples show that it's used to emphasize the separation of an element from its context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in isolation" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to emphasize the separation of a particular element from its context. As Ludwig AI explains, it highlights the importance of considering something independently. Common contexts include news, science, and formal business settings. While semantically related phrases like "separately" or "independently" exist, "in isolation" specifically underscores the act of detaching something for analysis. It is important to recognize that while "in isolation" can be helpful for analysis, it's crucial to avoid overlooking the interconnectedness of real-world factors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

separately

Focuses on the act of considering something apart from other things.

independently

Highlights the idea of something not being influenced or controlled by others.

in a vacuum

Emphasizes the absence of external influences or context.

on its own

Suggests something is self-sufficient or not needing assistance.

apart from others

Directly indicates physical or conceptual separation.

by itself

Similar to "on its own", but can also imply simplicity or lack of complexity.

in solitude

Emphasizes the state of being alone, often with a positive connotation of peace or reflection.

disconnectedly

Highlights the lack of connection or relationship to other things.

segregated

Suggests a forced or deliberate separation, often with negative implications.

in quarantine

Specifically refers to isolation due to health or safety concerns.

FAQs

How can I use "in isolation" in a sentence?

You can use "in isolation" to emphasize that something is being considered separately from other factors, such as, "The impact of this policy cannot be evaluated "in isolation" from its long-term effects".

What can I say instead of "in isolation"?

You can use alternatives such as "separately", "independently", or "in a vacuum" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct: "analyze in isolation" or "analyze it in isolation"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "analyze "in isolation"" is more concise and often preferred when the object is clear from the context. "Analyze it "in isolation"" is useful for explicit emphasis.

What does it mean to say something "shouldn't be viewed in isolation"?

It means that the thing you are considering is related to other things and should be analyzed in the context of those related factors. It should not be considered "separately".