self-imposed isolation

USAGE SUMMARY

"self-imposed isolation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a situation in which somebody deliberately isolates themselves from others, like in the sentence "The young man was struggling with depression, so he retreated into self-imposed isolation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's worth remembering that imposed, even self-imposed, isolation can be a crucible for artistic creativity.

The New York Times

Caul's secrecy and self-imposed isolation are crushing.

The New York Times

Technological backwardness, sheer incompetence, the intellectual effects of decades of self-imposed isolation — all possible.

The New Yorker

Mr. Obama is the second president to grapple with the idea of this self-imposed isolation.

The New York Times

But these last years were also marked by sadness and self-imposed isolation.

The Guardian - Books

The purity of the movement's principles has long left it in self-imposed isolation.

The New York Times

A sign that the "hermit kingdom" is slowly inching out of self-imposed isolation?

The Economist

"Part of that might be because of his self-imposed isolation.

The New York Times - Arts

But, after eight years of America's self-imposed isolation under Bush, it is a risk worth taking.

The Guardian - Opinion

The rest of my writerly life had taken place in the self-imposed isolation of my head.

The New Yorker

So, did the depression and anxiety come from the brain injury, or the self-imposed isolation afterward?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "self-imposed isolation", consider the reasons behind the isolation. This adds depth and clarity to your writing.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "self-imposed isolation" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "keeping to myself" or "needing some space" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "self-imposed isolation" functions as a noun phrase, where 'self-imposed' acts as an adjective modifying 'isolation'. This indicates a state of being deliberately separated from others. Ludwig confirms the validity and usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "self-imposed isolation" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes the act of deliberately isolating oneself. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is appropriate for various contexts, particularly news, academia, and science. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider simpler alternatives for informal settings. When using "self-imposed isolation", consider the reasons behind the isolation to add depth and clarity to your writing. Related phrases include "voluntary seclusion" and "chosen withdrawal", which provide similar but nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

voluntary seclusion

Emphasizes the act of willingly withdrawing from society or others.

chosen withdrawal

Highlights the deliberate decision to step back from social interaction.

elective detachment

Focuses on the conscious choice to disengage from relationships or surroundings.

deliberate separation

Stresses the intentional nature of creating distance between oneself and others.

intentional retreat

Implies a purposeful withdrawal to a more private or isolated state.

opting out of society

Suggests a conscious decision to remove oneself from conventional social structures.

personal quarantine

Draws a parallel to imposed quarantine, but initiated by the individual.

solitary confinement (self-initiated)

Emphasizes the solitary aspect of the isolation, clarifying it's self-imposed.

withdrawing into oneself

Focuses on the inward turn, suggesting a retreat into one's own thoughts and feelings.

creating a personal bubble

Uses a metaphor to describe the act of building a barrier between oneself and the outside world.

FAQs

How can I use "self-imposed isolation" in a sentence?

You can use "self-imposed isolation" to describe a situation where someone chooses to isolate themselves, as in "After the traumatic event, she entered a period of "self-imposed isolation"".

What are some alternatives to "self-imposed isolation"?

Alternatives include "voluntary seclusion", "chosen withdrawal", or "elective detachment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What causes "self-imposed isolation"?

"Self-imposed isolation" can stem from various factors, including depression, anxiety, trauma, or a desire for solitude. The underlying cause influences how the isolation is perceived and addressed.

Is "self-imposed isolation" always negative?

Not necessarily. While often associated with negative experiences like depression, "self-imposed isolation" can also be a conscious choice for reflection, creative work, or spiritual retreat. Its impact depends on the individual's circumstances and motivations.