isolated instances

USAGE SUMMARY

"isolated instances" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means that something happens rarely or only in certain circumstances. For example, "In spite of the generally poor safety record, there have been isolated instances of exemplary performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 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

Further, the campaign denounced isolated instances of Clinton's staffers questioning whether Obama was Muslim.

The Washington Post

There have been further isolated instances of violence despite the coup attempt having officially been declared over.

The Guardian

As a New York Times poll on race suggested last week, these are not isolated instances of social interaction.

The New York Times

Despite isolated instances where he has challenged Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters, he has generally rejected that approach.

The New York Times

Mr. Ondaatje does not write in mundanely linear ways, nor does he see events as isolated instances.

The New York Times - Books

None of the information supported Trump's claim of "millions" of illegal votes, just isolated instances of voting irregularities.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "isolated instances", ensure the context clearly establishes that these occurrences are not representative of a larger trend or pattern. Provide contrasting information or data to reinforce this distinction.

Common error

Avoid using "isolated instances" to downplay significant or systemic issues. While the phrase suggests rarity, using it inappropriately can minimize genuine concerns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "isolated instances" functions as a noun phrase typically serving as the object of a preposition or a direct object. It is used to denote occurrences that are infrequent and not representative of a larger trend, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "isolated instances" is a common noun phrase used to describe infrequent or uncommon occurrences. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. It's important to use this phrase judiciously, ensuring that the context clearly indicates that the instances are not representative of a broader trend, as overstating their significance can be misleading.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

isolated cases

This alternative is nearly synonymous, but slightly more common in medical or legal contexts.

sporadic incidents

Replaces "instances" with "incidents", emphasizing the event-like nature and scattered occurrence.

infrequent occurrences

Uses more formal vocabulary to describe the low frequency of events.

rare events

Simplifies the phrase using more basic vocabulary, focusing on the rarity.

occasional exceptions

Highlights that these instances are deviations from a general rule or pattern.

exceptional situations

Indicates the instances are unusual and deviate from the norm.

uncommon examples

Focuses on the instances as representative samples that are not frequently seen.

atypical situations

Emphasizes that the instances are not typical or representative of the general pattern.

singular happenings

Highlights the unique and individual nature of each instance.

odd occurrences

Suggests the instances are not only infrequent but also somewhat strange or peculiar.

FAQs

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

You can use "isolated instances" to describe situations or events that occur infrequently. For example, "Despite the overall success of the project, there were "isolated instances" of delays".

What are some alternatives to "isolated instances"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "isolated cases", "sporadic incidents", or "infrequent occurrences".

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

Use "isolated case" when referring to a single occurrence. Use ""isolated instances"" when referring to multiple, separate occurrences.

What does "isolated instances" imply about the frequency of something?

"Isolated instances" implies that something happens rarely and is not part of a regular or common pattern. It suggests that such events are exceptions rather than the rule.