isolated

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'isolated' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a physical location or state of being alone. For example: He chose to live in an isolated cabin in the woods.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Such a development could pose a new threat to the isolated country's neighbours and the United States.

The Guardian

This is by no means an isolated case.

The New York Times

This is not an isolated case.

The New York Times

Relationships with Iraqis were much more distant, and Americans much more isolated, owing to security restrictions and other factors.

The Economist

The material effect of being so isolated is that information is reordered around the reality they can't escape: everybody has to care what the Hamas military guy says; his speech is analysed late into the night by groups huddled over cigarettes.

The Guardian - Opinion

In addition, the response of the majority of the Irish public, whose attitude veers from a warm welcome to benign indifference, also underlines how isolated the republican dissidents are in modern Ireland.

The Guardian

So this year, we're publishing our second annual "it's happening" gallery designed to inspire, excite and counter the insidious narrative from the climate sceptics and go-slowers, that the UK is engaged in some kind of unique and isolated climate folly.

The Guardian

"Because these incidents cannot be seen as isolated cases, the government of Mexico has called the Justice Department of the United States to follow the investigations of these cases through its Civil Rights Division and provide assurances that they are conducted with transparency and if necessary, that civil and criminal responsibilities are established," the foreign ministry said on Monday.

The Guardian

As the party was isolated, the negotiators concentrated on trying to win ground where they could find consensus.

The Guardian

Reporting in northern Nigeria is notoriously difficult; journalists have been targeted by Boko Haram, and, unlike in Paris, people on the ground are isolated and struggle with access to the internet and other communications.

The Guardian

Miliband knew in advance his attendance was a risk, that he could be left isolated by the alliance of leftwing leaders as the beacon for stale Westminster politics and austerity policies.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "isolated", consider the specific nuance you want to convey: physical separation, emotional loneliness, or political detachment. Choose synonyms carefully to reflect your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "isolated" to describe temporary states of being alone. "Isolated" suggests a prolonged or significant separation. Use terms like "alone" or "by oneself" for short durations.

Linguistic Context

The word "isolated" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a state of being separate or detached. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "isolated" is a versatile adjective that accurately describes separation or detachment, whether physical, emotional, or political. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, consider the specific nuance you want to convey and choose synonyms carefully to reflect your intended meaning. Remember that "isolated" suggests a prolonged or significant separation, so use other terms for short durations. With this information, you can confidently and accurately use "isolated" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

detached

Focuses on the state of being separated or disconnected from something else.

segregated

Highlights the act of separating or setting apart, often with implications of imposed separation.

secluded

Emphasizes privacy and being hidden away from general view or access.

solitary

Conveys the idea of being alone or existing without others, often by choice or necessity.

remote

Indicates a distant or inaccessible location, physically or metaphorically.

lonely

Focuses on the emotional aspect of being alone and feeling a sense of sadness or longing.

insular

Suggests a narrow-minded or self-contained perspective, often resistant to outside influences.

cut off

Implies a sudden or forceful separation, often due to external factors.

set apart

Highlights being distinct or different from others, often in a positive or unique way.

self-contained

Emphasizes independence and the ability to function without external assistance or interaction.

FAQs

How can I use "isolated" in a sentence?

The word "isolated" is used to describe something that is separated from others. For example, "The village was "remote" and difficult to reach, making it feel very "isolated".

What are some synonyms for "isolated"?

Some synonyms for "isolated" include "detached", "secluded", "remote", and "solitary". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "isolated" versus "lonely"?

"Isolated" describes a state of physical separation, while "lonely" describes an emotional state. Someone can be "isolated" without being "lonely", and vice versa.

What does it mean for a country to be "isolated" internationally?

When a country is described as "isolated" internationally, it means it lacks strong diplomatic or economic ties with other nations, often due to political disagreements or sanctions. This is similar to saying the country is "ostracized".