isolated incident

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "isolated incident" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a situation which is not widespread, or which is not typical of a larger pattern. For example: "The incident was an isolated one, and not likely to be repeated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is no isolated incident.

The New York Times

This was no isolated incident.

The Guardian

"This is very much an isolated incident.

Independent

The Ahuas raid was no isolated incident.

The Guardian

This, after all, was no isolated incident.

The Guardian - Sport

This was hardly an isolated incident.

The Guardian - Opinion

And it was hardly an isolated incident.

TechCrunch

An isolated incident?

Huffington Post

Mario's death was no isolated incident.

Los Angeles Times

But this is hardly an isolated incident.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Ahmed's is not an isolated incident.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "isolated incident" to reassure an audience that a negative event is unlikely to happen again, especially when addressing concerns about safety or reliability.

Common error

Avoid using "isolated incident" to dismiss or minimize the significance of a problem that might be part of a larger pattern or trend. Ensure the incident is truly isolated before using the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "isolated incident" functions as a noun phrase, often used attributively to modify another noun. It serves to categorize an event as singular and non-repetitive, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "isolated incident" is a common phrase used to describe a singular, non-recurring event, primarily in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and neutral register, making it suitable for objective reporting. While it can reassure and downplay concerns, it's crucial to use the phrase accurately and avoid misrepresenting potential patterns. Consider alternatives like "unique occurrence" or "one-time event" to fine-tune your message. Be mindful of downplaying serious situations by not accurately portraying events as part of a larger pattern.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unique occurrence

Replaces "incident" with "occurrence", highlighting the singularity of the event.

singular event

Emphasizes the unusual and non-repetitive nature of the event.

one-time event

Focuses on the event happening only once.

aberrant event

Highlights the deviation from the normal or expected.

exceptional case

Suggests the incident is an exception to the norm.

rare instance

Emphasizes how infrequently the incident happens.

atypical situation

Highlights the non-standard or unusual character of the situation.

uncharacteristic episode

Indicates the episode is not typical or representative.

uncommon circumstance

Focuses on the rare nature of the circumstance.

unprecedented situation

Suggests the situation has never happened before.

FAQs

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

You can use "isolated incident" to describe a situation that is not typical or part of a larger pattern. For example, "The company claims the data breach was an "isolated incident" and has taken steps to prevent future breaches".

What are some alternatives to "isolated incident"?

Alternatives include "unique occurrence", "one-time event", or "exceptional case". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to describe something as an "isolated incident"?

It's appropriate when the event is truly unique and there is no evidence of a recurring pattern. Ensure you have sufficient information before using the phrase to avoid misrepresenting the situation.

What's the difference between "isolated incident" and "trend"?

"Isolated incident" refers to a single, non-recurring event, while "trend" describes a pattern or tendency occurring over time. Using "isolated incident" implies the event is not part of a larger problem, whereas a "trend" suggests a problem is emerging or ongoing.