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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
to isolate between
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "to isolate between" is not correct in standard English usage.
It is typically used incorrectly when trying to express the act of distinguishing or separating two or more items or concepts. Example: "We need to isolate between the two variables to determine their effects on the outcome."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
Applying the filtering strategy described under Materials and Methods, we were able to isolate between 1 and 23 variant positions per line, including both single nucleotide variants and small insertions/deletions (Table 1).
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
The edge of the winter polar vortex is thought to isolate chemistry between inside and outside.
Science
The virtual machining concept is applied to isolate faults between operations, and further used in the root cause determination.
The use of unique keys allows the hypervisor to verify the identity of distinct virtual routers in different unprivileged domains (in this example, DomU 1, DomU 2, and DomU 3) and to isolate traffic between them.
These oligos were end-labeled with P (P-γ ATP, Perkin-Elmer, Waltham, MA) by T4 polynucleotide kinase (Promega, Madison, WI) and added to the sample to isolate RNAs between 18 and 24 nt in length.
Science
We group-mean centred adolescent violence to isolate within- from between-neighbourhood variation (Raudenbush and Bryk 2002).
These data sets allow us to isolate the differences between experimental procedures and between temperatures.
Science
Rather than changing only one variable at a time, multiple variables are changed between experimental runs in order to isolate interaction effects between control parameters.
We know that prisoners are very much like you and me and that successive attempts to isolate some difference between an offender and a non-offender have failed time after time throughout criminological history.
News & Media
To isolate and differentiate between Shigella sp. and Salmonella sp. SS agar was used because it was a differential media.
The next step was to plot each data set (each with a different temperature) individually to isolate the relationship between pressure and solubility.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Instead of using "to isolate between", opt for clearer and more grammatically accepted alternatives such as "to distinguish between" or "to differentiate between" for improved clarity and professional communication.
Common error
Avoid using "to isolate between" as it is not standard English. Using this phrase can confuse readers and detract from your message. Always double-check your phrasing to ensure it aligns with established grammatical norms.
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
1.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "to isolate between" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically intended to express the purpose of distinguishing or separating two entities. However, as noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically incorrect and thus ineffective in formal communication.
Frequent in
Science
100%
Less common in
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Academia
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while "to isolate between" might seem intuitive, it is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrasing is flawed. The intended meaning—to distinguish or separate—is better conveyed through alternatives such as "to distinguish between" or "to differentiate between". Opting for these established phrases will enhance the clarity and credibility of your writing, particularly in formal and scientific contexts. Although the phrase appears in scientific publications, its incorrect usage undermines its effectiveness. It's essential to prioritize grammatical accuracy to ensure your message is well-received and understood.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
to distinguish between
This alternative focuses on recognizing the differences between distinct entities, rather than physically separating them.
to differentiate between
Similar to 'distinguish', this emphasizes identifying qualities that set items or concepts apart.
to separate from
This alternative highlights the act of physically or conceptually removing something from another thing.
to segregate from
This suggests a more forceful or systematic separation, often implying a deliberate division.
to discriminate between
This implies a careful and considered distinction, often based on specific criteria.
to pinpoint the difference between
This highlights the process of finding with precision the difference.
to discern among
This suggests a careful effort to perceive or recognize something subtle.
to tease apart
Emphasizes the delicate process of separating intertwined elements to understand them individually.
to isolate differences
Focuses on finding only the differences between two things.
to determine boundaries between
Highlights the act of setting a line between two things.
FAQs
What are some alternatives to "to isolate between"?
Instead of "to isolate between", you can use phrases like "to distinguish between", "to differentiate between", or "to separate from" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.
Is "to isolate between" grammatically correct?
No, "to isolate between" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use alternatives like "to distinguish between" or "to differentiate between".
When is it appropriate to use "to isolate between"?
Given that "to isolate between" is grammatically incorrect, it is not appropriate to use it in formal or academic writing. Opt for established alternatives for clarity and correctness.
How can I improve my sentence structure when I'm tempted to use "to isolate between"?
When you find yourself wanting to use "to isolate between", consider what you're trying to express. If you mean to distinguish differences, use "to distinguish between". If you mean to physically separate, use "to separate from".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
1.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested