was isolated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was isolated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something was separated from others or cut off from a group or environment in the past. Example: "During the storm, the small village was isolated from the rest of the region for several days."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was isolated.

The Guardian

There was isolated violence.

The New York Times

Britain was isolated".

The Guardian

Saddam was isolated.

The New York Times

America was isolated, at peace.

The New York Times

She was isolated and frightened.

The New York Times

Korean Hemmoraghic Fever was isolated by scientists.

Stanford University

Everybody was isolated in their closeup.

The New Yorker

They voted against, and Piedmont was isolated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Jane, though, was isolated and overwrought.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was isolated, but not isolated enough.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was isolated" to describe a person's emotional state, consider adding context to clarify the reason for their isolation. For example, "She was isolated and frightened after the incident."

Common error

Avoid using "was isolated" excessively in passive voice constructions. Over-reliance on passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Instead, consider active voice alternatives when appropriate to add impact and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was isolated" functions primarily as a passive verb construction, indicating a state of being separated or set apart. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. This construction emphasizes the result of an action rather than the actor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was isolated" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction, indicating a state of separation. As Ludwig AI affirms, this phrase is widely applicable across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. It is important to be mindful of the potential overuse of passive voice, but "was isolated" remains a valuable tool for describing physical, social, or emotional detachment. Related phrases include "was separated" and "was cut off".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was cut off

Emphasizes a sudden or forceful separation from others.

was quarantined

Refers specifically to isolation for medical reasons.

found himself alone

Focuses on the feeling of being alone, emphasizing emotional state rather than physical separation.

became detached

Highlights a loss of connection, either emotionally or physically.

remained segregated

Emphasizes a formal or enforced separation, often in a social context.

stood apart

Suggests a deliberate choice to be different or separate from others.

existed remotely

Highlights physical distance and limited interaction.

lived reclusively

Describes a lifestyle of deliberate avoidance of social contact.

felt estranged

Emphasizes a breakdown in relationships and a sense of alienation.

operated independently

Highlights the ability to function without assistance or connection.

FAQs

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

You can use "was isolated" to describe a state of being separated or detached, such as "The village was isolated due to the heavy snowfall" or "He was isolated from his peers because of his unique views".

What's the difference between "was isolated" and "was separated"?

"Was isolated" often implies a sense of being alone or detached, whereas "was separated" simply means being moved apart. "Was isolated" can carry a negative connotation depending on the context.

What are some synonyms for "was isolated"?

Some synonyms include "was segregated", "was detached", "was quarantined", or "was cut off", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "they were isolated"?

Yes, "they were isolated" is grammatically correct. It is the plural form of "he/she/it was isolated" and is used to describe a state of isolation affecting multiple subjects.