in total isolation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in total isolation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being completely separated or alone, without any contact with others. Example: "During the pandemic, many people experienced life in total isolation, which affected their mental health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

"You're in total isolation.

The Guardian

In those days, she was working in total isolation.

The Guardian - Arts

A year and a half was spent in total isolation.

The New Yorker

"These people are no longer in total isolation.

The Guardian

That we are more and not less ourselves in total isolation.

The Washington Post

Formula One does not, cannot, and has never existed in total isolation from the general concerns of humanity.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

In the early 1970's, he built a tiny cabin in Montana, where he lived in almost total isolation.

The New York Times

"We had been tortured; we lived in almost total isolation from the outside world in a brutal regime; we wore only blankets and were covered in our own filth in freezing cells.

The New York Times

He's being held in almost total isolation, with any visits conducted through glass.

The Guardian

It allowed his quiet voice to be heard in the total isolation that it required.

The New Yorker

Called the Ibatan, they lived in almost total isolation for much of the 19th and 20th centuries, a quirk of ocean currents, geography and fate.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in total isolation", consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning of complete separation, whether physical, emotional, or intellectual. For example, 'The scientist conducted the experiment in total isolation to prevent contamination.'

Common error

Avoid using "in total isolation" when describing situations that involve partial or limited interaction. "Partial isolation" is a different concept and requires alternative phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in total isolation" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to describe the manner or condition in which an action occurs. Ludwig examples show it describing how someone lived, worked, or was kept.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in total isolation" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that functions as an adverbial modifier. According to Ludwig AI, it describes a state of complete separation and detachment, appearing most commonly in news, media, and scientific contexts. While alternatives like ""completely isolated"" or ""utterly secluded"" exist, "in total isolation" effectively conveys the intended meaning of complete separation. To avoid misapplication, ensure the phrase is used only when describing situations with complete lack of interaction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely isolated

Emphasizes the completeness of the isolation, removing the preposition 'in' and using an adjective.

entirely isolated

Similar to 'completely isolated', but uses 'entirely' to highlight the extent of the isolation.

utterly isolated

Replaces 'total' with 'utterly' to convey a sense of complete and absolute isolation.

in complete solitude

Substitutes "isolation" with "solitude", focusing on the state of being alone and often peaceful.

in utter seclusion

Replaces "isolation" with "seclusion", emphasizing the act of being hidden away from the world.

entirely cut off

Uses a phrasal verb to describe the state of being disconnected or separated from others.

completely detached

Focuses on the lack of connection or involvement with others or the surroundings.

hermetically sealed off

Implies a physical separation, as if enclosed in an airtight container.

incommunicado

A single word that means without any means of communication with others.

segregated completely

Highlights the act of separating someone or something from a group.

FAQs

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

The phrase "in total isolation" is used to describe a state of complete separation or detachment. Example: "The astronaut trained "in total isolation" to prepare for the solo mission."

What are some synonyms for "in total isolation"?

Alternatives include "completely isolated", "utterly secluded", or "entirely cut off", each emphasizing different aspects of being separated.

Is it better to say "in total isolation" or "completely isolated"?

Both "in total isolation" and "completely isolated" are correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on stylistic preference and the specific context. "In total isolation" might emphasize the condition of isolation, while "completely isolated" can emphasize the degree.

What's the difference between "in total isolation" and "in partial isolation"?

"In total isolation" means complete separation from others, whereas "in partial isolation" implies some limited contact or interaction. The key difference is the degree of separation.