isolate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "isolate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone or something has been separated from other people or things. For example, "The family had to isolate themselves from the rest of the population due to the virus outbreak."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You do feel like things are on the edge of something going horribly wrong when you've got people piling up at the entrance and cars coming with corpses in the back and driving off with them before you've got a chance to test the corpse or isolate it," he says.

The Guardian

Now, with the help of NGOs coming from Bamako, we are setting up the infrastructure to receive and isolate more patients".

The Guardian

The UN Mission for Ebola Emergency Response, newly set up to coordinate the fight against the disease, has set targets to isolate 70% of suspected cases in west Africa and safely bury 70% of the dead within the next 60 days – described as the 70-70-60 plan.

The Guardian

If anything, it will isolate them further from popular opinion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Earlier, speaking to reporters in Tokyo, Kerry told the North that a missile test would "raise people's temperatures" and further isolate it.

The Guardian

First, Merkel has had her eyes on the EU budget summit, where she wanted to present a united front with Cameron and had no desire to weaken or isolate him.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Engagement will not end because Europe is not in a position to isolate Russia.

The Guardian

You could isolate yourself and be less stressed, but one of the pleasures is seeing what's going on".

The Guardian

Surely now is the time to move forward, to isolate the extremist murderers and bring the nation together; not to trumpet your rights by trampling over others' sensitivities, losing friends in the process.

The Guardian - Opinion

Over the past two weeks, a sequence of events has conspired to "isolate Sinn Fein".

The Guardian

Ebola outbreaks in the past have generally been in remote rural areas with swift action to isolate the victims managing to contain them.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "isolate" in a scientific context, ensure that you clearly define the method used for isolation to maintain clarity and replicability.

Common error

Avoid using "isolate" when "insulate" is more appropriate. "Isolate" implies separation, while "insulate" means preventing influence or transmission.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "isolate" is as a transitive verb, indicating an action performed on an object to separate it from others. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb "isolate" is a versatile term used to describe the act of separating something from its surroundings. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. Related terms include "set apart", "separate out", and "extract", each carrying subtle differences in meaning. When using "isolate", clarity and context are key to ensure accurate communication. This guide provides best practices, common errors to avoid, and answers to frequently asked questions to enhance your understanding and application of the word "isolate".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set apart

Focuses on distinguishing something from a group.

separate out

Emphasizes the act of extracting one thing from others.

segregate

Implies a formal or enforced separation.

detach

Highlights the act of disconnecting something.

extract

Focuses on removing something from a mixture or source.

insulate

Specifically refers to preventing influence or transmission.

quarantine

Relates specifically to separating to prevent spread of disease.

screen off

Suggests physical or visual blocking.

cut off

Implies a sudden and complete separation.

pinpoint

Highlights identifying something precisely.

FAQs

How can I use "isolate" in a sentence?

You can use "isolate" to describe separating something from its surroundings, like, "Scientists were able to isolate the virus for study" or "The doctor decided to isolate the patient with the infectious disease".

What can I say instead of "isolate"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "separate out", "set apart", or "extract".

When should I use "isolate" vs. "insulate"?

"Isolate" means to separate something from its surroundings, while "insulate" means to protect something from external influences. For example, you might "isolate" a patient to prevent disease spread, but you would "insulate" a wire to prevent electrical shocks.

Is it correct to say "isolate" myself?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Isolate" can be used reflexively to describe the act of separating oneself from others. For example, "I had to isolate myself after being exposed to the virus".