isolated instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "isolated instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a single occurrence or example that is separate from others, often implying that it is not part of a larger pattern. Example: "The report highlighted an isolated instance of fraud that raised concerns about the overall integrity of the system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

It wasn't an isolated instance.

The New York Times

She is not an isolated instance.

The New York Times

Presumably, it was an isolated instance.

The New York Times

Hers was hardly an isolated instance of mob shaming online.

The New York Times

The mass rape in Minova was not an isolated instance.

Independent

The story of Lucent and Cisco is hardly an isolated instance.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

And they are certainly not isolated instances.

The Guardian

Alas, these are not isolated instances.

The New York Times

There have been isolated instances of customer protest.

The Guardian - Opinion

"These appear to be isolated instances of misconduct," he said.

The New York Times

Since 2003, isolated instances of anti-Semitic violence in the country have claimed 12 lives.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "isolated instance", ensure you clearly define what makes the instance isolated. Provide context to distinguish it from a broader pattern or trend.

Common error

Avoid labeling something as an "isolated instance" without thoroughly investigating potential connections to other similar occurrences. Prematurely claiming isolation can lead to overlooking systemic issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "isolated instance" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It denotes a specific situation that is not representative of a larger trend or pattern. Ludwig's examples show its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "isolated instance" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a single, non-recurring event or situation. It is grammatically correct and finds frequent use in news, scientific, and academic contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable phrase in written English. When employing this phrase, be sure to provide sufficient context to clearly establish the isolated nature of the occurrence. While alternatives like "one-off occurrence" or "unique case" exist, "isolated instance" maintains a balance of formality and clarity, making it a versatile choice for various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one-off occurrence

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

unique case

Highlights the distinct and unparalleled nature of the situation.

singular event

Focuses on the event being the only one of its kind.

exceptional example

Suggests the instance is unusual and stands out from the norm.

uncharacteristic incident

Implies the event is not typical or representative.

rare occurrence

Indicates the event happens infrequently.

anomalous situation

Highlights the deviation from the regular pattern or norm.

outlier event

Refers to an event that lies outside the main body of data or experience.

solitary case

Emphasizes the single and unaccompanied nature of the case.

sporadic incident

Indicates the incident occurs irregularly and infrequently.

FAQs

How do I use "isolated instance" in a sentence?

You can use "isolated instance" to describe a single occurrence that is not part of a larger pattern. For example, "The data breach was considered an "isolated instance" and did not indicate a systemic vulnerability".

What can I say instead of "isolated instance"?

You can use alternatives like "one-off occurrence", "unique case", or "singular event" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "an isolated incident" instead of "isolated instance"?

Yes, "isolated incident" is a suitable alternative to "isolated instance", particularly when referring to a specific event or occurrence. They are often interchangeable.

What's the difference between "isolated instance" and "common occurrence"?

"Isolated instance" refers to something that happens rarely or only once, while "common occurrence" describes something that happens frequently or regularly. They are opposites in terms of frequency.