isolate themselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'isolate themselves' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a variety of contexts - for example, to describe people who want to avoid contact with others due to the current coronavirus pandemic, or to describe someone who lives alone and is not actively seeking company or social interaction. Example sentence: Those with underlying medical conditions have been advised to isolate themselves to reduce the risk of catching the coronavirus.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"They aren't trying to isolate themselves".

The New York Times

"It was Israel and the government's decision to isolate themselves.

The New York Times

If the North Koreans insist on moving toward this negative direction, they will increasingly isolate themselves".

The New York Times

Instead, they isolate themselves and work harder and harder until something snaps.

The Guardian

Still, he worries that some immigrants may be using television to isolate themselves.

The New York Times

"And I have a feeling that people who are ill tend to isolate themselves.

The New York Times - Health

A more radical option is for investors to isolate themselves entirely.

The Guardian

Often, bereaved people feel hostile toward friends or doctors and isolate themselves.

The New Yorker

The Stones had a documentary impulse but were forced by circumstances to isolate themselves.

The New Yorker

"They have a policy line where they really don't care how much they isolate themselves".

The New York Times

"There is no desire among the Brazilians to isolate themselves," he added.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "isolate themselves" to clearly convey the action of individuals choosing to be apart from others, whether for protection, reflection, or other reasons. Be sure the context supports the reflexive action.

Common error

Avoid using "isolate themselves" when referring to impersonal entities or concepts. The phrase implies a deliberate, self-directed action, typically applicable only to people or groups.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "isolate themselves" is a reflexive verb phrase. It indicates an action that individuals or groups perform upon themselves, such as choosing to separate from others. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "isolate themselves" is a grammatically correct and frequently used reflexive verb phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes the action of individuals or groups choosing to separate from others. Common contexts include news, science, and encyclopedic content. Usage guidance suggests it should be applied to people or groups intentionally distancing themselves, while misuse often involves applying it to impersonal entities. Related phrases offer varied nuances of separation, such as "separate themselves" or "withdraw from society".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

separate themselves

Implies a deliberate act of creating distance, either physically or metaphorically.

segregate themselves

Suggests a more formal or imposed separation, often with social or political implications.

cut themselves off

Emphasizes a sudden and decisive severing of connections.

withdraw from society

Focuses on a retreat from social interactions and engagement.

detach themselves

Implies emotional or intellectual distancing from a situation or group.

distance themselves

Indicates a deliberate effort to create emotional or social space.

exclude themselves

Highlights the act of self-imposed exclusion from a group or activity.

cocoon themselves

Suggests a protective and comforting withdrawal from the outside world.

seclude themselves

Emphasizes privacy and solitude, often in a physical sense.

insulate themselves

Implies creating a barrier to protect oneself from external influences or pressures.

FAQs

How can I use "isolate themselves" in a sentence?

Use "isolate themselves" to describe when individuals or groups choose to separate themselves from others. For example, "During the pandemic, many people chose to "isolate themselves" to protect their health".

What are some alternatives to "isolate themselves"?

Alternatives include "separate themselves", "withdraw from society", or "distance themselves" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "isolate himself/herself" instead of "isolate themselves"?

Yes, "isolate himself/herself" is correct when referring to a single person. "Isolate themselves" is used when referring to a group or when the gender is not specified.

What is the difference between "isolate themselves" and "quarantine"?

"Quarantine" usually refers to a mandatory separation to prevent the spread of disease, while ""isolate themselves"" implies a voluntary or self-imposed separation for various reasons, not always related to disease control.