isolation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "isolation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the state of being separated from others or being alone, often in a physical or emotional context. Example: "The patient was placed in isolation to prevent the spread of infection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is believed the ADF has no portable isolation units.

The Guardian

But the relative isolation this harsh landscape affords also means the fishing villages, hill villages and maritime towns built on and under these slopes have been able to hold on to their charm and beauty as stubbornly as they've clung on to the mountains on which they're so precariously built.

The Guardian - Travel

We have women who are killed by their husbands but we don't have any legitimate terror offences... "Yet the amount of money put into negative policing and punitive measures has really soured relations between Muslim community and ramped up the sense of fear and isolation in the community".

The Guardian

But Sierra Leone and Guinea continued to see high numbers of deaths from Ebola in their communities, "suggesting that the need for early isolation and treatment is not yet understood, accepted or acted upon", the WHO warned.

The Guardian

A subsequent letter from the Peruvian government "recognised the situation of the peoples living in isolation and/or initial contact" and promised, for the first time, that five new reserves for indigenous communities were "in the pipeline".

The Guardian

WA Liberal backbencher Dennis Jensen said he did not think an inquiry was a good idea, arguing Australia could not be viewed in isolation and it should be up to the companies to decide the rate of production.

The Guardian - Business

Poor maternal health, sexually transmitted infections, infant mortality, violence, abuse, illiteracy, isolation, psychological trauma and suicide are common among young brides.

The Guardian

According to 2009 testimony to a US House subcommittee, the Uighur detainees were subject to sleep deprivation, frigid temperatures and isolation.

The Guardian

Griffiths was met by doctors wearing protective suits and put in isolation while blood tests were carried out, but they proved negative.

The Guardian

Ganyiel's isolation is worsened by constant flooding.

The Guardian

He was subjected to "48 hours of sleep deprivation, auditory overload, total darkness, isolation, a cold shower and rough treatment".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In social or emotional contexts, consider the connotations of "isolation". If you want to emphasize the positive aspects of being alone, consider using "solitude" or "seclusion" instead.

Common error

Don't confuse "isolation", which refers to being separated or alone, with "insulation", which refers to preventing heat, sound, or electricity from escaping. For example, instead of saying "the house needs better isolation", say "the house needs better insulation".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "isolation" is as a noun. It represents the state of being separated or set apart from others. Ludwig AI indicates that this usage is correct and common across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "isolation" functions primarily as a noun describing the state of being separated or alone, be it physically, emotionally, or socially. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage across varied contexts. The term sees frequent use in news, science, and formal settings, reflecting its versatility. While "isolation" is generally neutral, its connotation can shift based on context, sometimes suggesting loneliness or alienation, and at other times, intentional separation for beneficial reasons. Alternatives like "solitude" or "seclusion" can be more appropriate depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aloneness

Focuses on the subjective feeling of being alone.

solitude

Refers to the state of being alone, often by choice and with positive connotations.

seclusion

Emphasizes being hidden or sheltered from the outside world.

quarantine

Specifically denotes enforced separation to prevent the spread of disease.

confinement

Implies being restricted to a specific space.

segregation

Implies separation based on social, ethnic, or other group distinctions.

alienation

Suggests a feeling of estrangement or disconnection from society or others.

detachment

Highlights emotional or physical separation from something.

remoteness

Indicates physical distance or inaccessibility.

insulation

Highlights the act of protecting or shielding something, often from external influences.

FAQs

How is "isolation" used in healthcare?

In healthcare, "isolation" refers to separating individuals with contagious diseases to prevent transmission. This can involve physical separation in dedicated units or specific protocols for healthcare workers.

What are some alternatives to "isolation" when referring to feeling alone?

Alternatives to "isolation" when describing feelings of being alone include "loneliness", "solitude" (if the aloneness is desired), or "alienation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "isolation" and "segregation"?

"Isolation" generally refers to physical or social separation, while "segregation" specifically implies separation based on group characteristics, such as race or religion, and often involves discrimination.

Can "isolation" have positive connotations?

While often associated with negative feelings, "isolation" can sometimes have positive connotations when referring to intentional separation for reflection or creative work. In such cases, "solitude" might be a more appropriate term.