isolated case

USAGE SUMMARY

"isolated case" is correct and usable in written English.
For example: "This was an isolated case of negligence and none of our other employees have shown similar behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

were an isolated case.

The New York Times

This isn't an isolated case.

The New York Times

This an a isolated case".

The Guardian

He's not an isolated case.

The New York Times - Arts

Stroh's is no isolated case.

The New York Times

Is this an isolated case?

The Guardian

Fauji, however, is not an isolated case.

The New Yorker

And Dorridge is not an isolated case.

Independent

Asthma is not an isolated case.

The New Yorker

So Greece is not an isolated case".

The New York Times

This is not an isolated case.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "isolated case", provide context to support your claim. Explain why you believe the case is isolated and offer evidence that it is not indicative of a broader issue.

Common error

Avoid using "isolated case" without sufficient evidence. If there's a possibility that similar cases exist, qualify your statement or acknowledge the potential for a pattern to emerge. Saying something is an isolated case when it is not undermines credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "isolated case" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies and characterizes a specific instance as being unique and not indicative of a broader pattern. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing numerous examples of its use in context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "isolated case" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a unique event or situation that is not representative of a larger trend. As verified by Ludwig AI, it frequently appears in news media, academic writing, and scientific reports, serving to clarify that a specific occurrence should not be generalized. When using "isolated case", it's important to provide supporting context and avoid overstating the 'isolated' nature without sufficient evidence. Alternatives like "unique occurrence" or "atypical situation" can be used to convey a similar meaning. Be mindful of overusing the phrase and ensure that its usage aligns with the available evidence to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncommon occurrence

Stresses that the event is not frequently observed.

atypical situation

Stresses the non-standard or unusual aspects of the scenario.

singular incident

Focuses on the individuality and distinctiveness of the event.

unique occurrence

Highlights the singularity and non-repeatable nature of the event.

rare example

Suggests that similar cases are infrequent and hard to find.

anomalous situation

Highlights the irregularity and deviation from the expected pattern.

exceptional instance

Emphasizes the rarity and deviation from the norm.

uncharacteristic event

Indicates that the event is not typical or expected.

sporadic incident

Suggests the event happens irregularly and infrequently.

one-off event

Indicates that the event happened only once and is not part of a series.

FAQs

How can I use "isolated case" in a sentence?

The phrase "isolated case" is used to describe an event or situation that is unique and not representative of a broader trend. For example, "This data breach appears to be an "isolated case", with no indication of systemic vulnerabilities".

What are some alternatives to "isolated case"?

You can use alternatives like "unique occurrence", "atypical situation", or "rare example" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "isolated case" or "single case"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "isolated case" emphasizes the lack of connection to other similar events, whereas "single case" simply highlights that it is one instance. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What does it mean when someone says something is 'not an isolated case'?

Saying that something is 'not an "isolated case"' means that it is part of a pattern or trend, suggesting that similar events or situations have occurred or are likely to occur again.