they were isolated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were isolated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where individuals or groups are separated from others, either physically or socially. Example: "During the storm, they were isolated from the rest of the community, unable to receive help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He said they were isolated.

The New York Times

On this program, they were isolated gems.

The New York Times - Arts

But they were isolated and coming to power after twenty years of civil war.

The New Yorker

But he said they were "isolated incidents" that resulted in the prosecutions of 112 security officials.

The New York Times

There was no indication that the infected workers spread the disease before they were isolated, they said.

The New York Times

With electricity, telephones and the water supply cut off, residents said, they were isolated from the outside world.

The New York Times

"It's been clear all along that if there were problems at Coke, they were isolated and immaterial," said John D. Sicher, the editor and publisher of Beverage Digest.

The New York Times

"Those types of stories garner a lot of attention," an official at Freddie Mac said, but added that they were "isolated occurrences".

The New York Times

When they returned home from being "struggled against", they were isolated in separate rooms, though they were put on show again together at another Red Guard rally.

The Guardian

In Daniel's second year they lived in Shrewsbury, which offered train routes to both universities but meant that they were isolated from family and friends.

The Guardian

"They were isolated instances," said Greg Deligdisch, vice president and marketing director of Sopexa USA, a company that promotes French wine and food in America.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were isolated", ensure the context clearly indicates the type of isolation: physical, social, emotional, or informational. This will prevent ambiguity.

Common error

Don't automatically assume that because "they were isolated", they were necessarily neglected or mistreated. Isolation can sometimes be a necessary safety measure or a voluntary choice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were isolated" primarily functions as a descriptive statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction accurately conveys that a group or individuals experienced separation or detachment. The phrase often serves to set the stage for explaining circumstances leading to or resulting from this separation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were isolated" is a grammatically correct and very common way to describe a state of separation, whether physical, social, or emotional. As Ludwig AI confirms, its purpose is often to inform or explain a situation, and it is frequently used in neutral contexts like news reporting and scientific publications. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide enough context to avoid ambiguity about the reason and nature of the isolation. While other phrases like "they were separated" or "they were secluded" can serve as alternatives, each carries slightly different nuances that may or may not be appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were separated

This alternative simply indicates a state of being divided or kept apart, lacking the potential connotations of loneliness or quarantine that "isolated" can imply.

they were secluded

This implies a deliberate choice or action to withdraw from society or interaction, adding a layer of intentionality that "isolated" might not always have.

they were cut off

This suggests a sudden or forceful disconnection, highlighting the abruptness of the separation.

they were quarantined

This suggests a specific type of isolation, usually for medical or safety reasons, making it a more restrictive and specific term than "isolated".

they were distanced

This conveys a sense of increasing separation over time or space, adding a dynamic element to the isolation.

they were detached

This emphasizes a lack of emotional connection or involvement, shifting the focus from physical separation to a state of emotional distance.

they were segregated

This emphasizes a separation often based on discriminatory reasons, implying an imposed division rather than a natural or circumstantial isolation.

they were alienated

This highlights the feeling of estrangement and disconnection, emphasizing the emotional and psychological impact of being isolated.

they were set apart

This highlights a distinction or difference that leads to separation, suggesting that something unique makes them stand out and be isolated.

they were marginalized

This suggests being pushed to the edges of society or a group, implying a power dynamic that contributes to their isolation.

FAQs

How can I use "they were isolated" in a sentence?

You can use "they were isolated" to describe a situation where a group or individuals are separated from others. For example, "During the pandemic, "they were isolated" to prevent the spread of the virus."

What's a good alternative to "they were isolated"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "they were separated", "they were secluded", or "they were quarantined".

Is it correct to say "they was isolated"?

No, the correct phrase is "they were isolated". "Were" is the plural form of the past tense of "to be" and is used with the plural pronoun "they".

What is the difference between "they were isolated" and "they were alone"?

While both suggest a lack of company, "they were isolated" often implies a separation from a larger group or society, potentially due to external factors. "They were alone" simply indicates the absence of others, without necessarily implying a forced or significant separation.