isolated existence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "isolated existence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of living that is separate from others, often implying loneliness or detachment. Example: "After moving to the remote village, she found herself leading an isolated existence, far from the bustling city life she once knew."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

It was an isolated existence.

The Guardian - Film

Even today they live a relatively isolated existence.

The New York Times

She's just trying to live an isolated existence.

The Guardian

I still thought that a nursing home meant a barren, paltry, isolated existence.

The New York Times

"It's certainly not an isolated existence," he added, sounding not quite disappointed.

The New York Times

and lives a relatively isolated existence with the exception of his wife.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Today's criminal egg collectors are welders and decorators, living isolated existences with pictures of those original "gentlemen scientists pinned to their walls".

The Guardian - Arts

Dance in film and theater seems to be emerging as an antidote to an isolated, cyberspace existence.

The New York Times

The Tagaeri and the Taromenane – who have fought off illegal loggers and Catholic missionaries with spears and blowpipes to maintain their isolated, nomadic existence – are now at risk from the construction of roads and drilling wells as petroleum firms carve up the Yasuni national park.

The Guardian

For the several isolates, existence of plasmid was confirmed to isolate plasmid DNA using a Miniprep DNA purification kit (Takara).

BMC Veterinary Research

Mostly from Peru and Chile, they live isolated, nomadic existences here, dependent upon their employers for food, mail and all contact with the outside world.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's living situation, use "isolated existence" to convey a sense of separation, detachment, and minimal social interaction. Consider the emotional and social implications of this lifestyle.

Common error

Avoid using "isolated existence" as a blanket term for any type of solitary living. Consider whether the situation is voluntary, imposed, or a result of circumstance. Alternatives like "solitary life" or "secluded existence" might be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "isolated existence" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition, describing a state or condition of living apart from others. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

16%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "isolated existence" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a lifestyle characterized by separation from society, often implying loneliness or detachment. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is well-established and versatile, appearing across a variety of contexts, particularly in news, media, and academic writing. While phrases like "solitary life", "secluded existence", and "reclusive lifestyle" offer similar meanings, the choice of which to use depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to consider the context and emotional implications when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secluded existence

Emphasizes privacy and being sheltered from the outside world.

solitary life

Highlights being alone and independent, without necessarily implying negativity.

reclusive lifestyle

Focuses on deliberately avoiding social contact.

hermitic life

Implies a religious or philosophical withdrawal from society.

detached living

Emphasizes emotional distance and lack of involvement.

segregated existence

Highlights separation, often forced, from a larger group.

lonely existence

Emphasizes the sadness and lack of companionship.

sheltered life

Suggests protection from the harsh realities of the world.

self-imposed exile

Highlights a voluntary withdrawal from a particular environment or community.

cloistered life

Refers to a life lived in a monastery or convent, or a life of seclusion and contemplation.

FAQs

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

You can use "isolated existence" to describe a state of living where someone is separated from others, often implying loneliness. For example, "After the pandemic, many elderly people found themselves living an "isolated existence".

What phrases are similar to "isolated existence"?

Alternatives include "solitary life", "secluded existence", or "reclusive lifestyle", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a negative connotation associated with "isolated existence"?

Yes, "isolated existence" often carries a negative connotation, suggesting loneliness, detachment, and a lack of social interaction. However, it can also describe a deliberate choice to live apart from society.

What's the difference between "isolated existence" and "solitary confinement"?

"Isolated existence" generally refers to a lifestyle, while "solitary confinement" specifically refers to a form of imprisonment or punishment where a person is kept in complete isolation.