Cool MateDetach vs Isolate
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Detach
Top 5,000 (fairly common)
Isolate
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
Most common: Isolate
| Detach | Isolate | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //dɪˈtætʃ//🇺🇸 //dɪˈtætʃ// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈaɪsəleɪt/","/ˈaɪsəleɪts/","/ˈaɪsəleɪtɪd/","/ˈaɪsəleɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈaɪsəleɪt/","/ˈaɪsəleɪts/","/ˈaɪsəleɪtɪd/","/ˈaɪsəleɪtɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To separate or remove something. | To keep something or someone separate from others. |
| Example | You need to detach the battery before storing the device. | Patients with the disease should be isolated. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 5,000 (fairly common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | detach from an object, detach yourself, detach a part, detach a connection, detach an attachment | isolate a variable, isolate from others, isolate the problem, isolate the pathogen, isolate oneself |
| Antonyms | attach, fasten, connect | connect, associate, unite |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'detach from' vs 'detach', Using 'detached' when a continuous action is being described, Forgetting to specify what is being detached | Confused with 'isolation', the noun form., Using it incorrectly in the passive voice, e.g., 'The virus is isolated by the doctor.', Forgetting to include an object, e.g., 'Please isolate.' |
| Usage notes | Use 'detach' when discussing separating objects or ideas. It's neutral and suitable for both formal and informal contexts. | Use 'isolate' when referring to removing someone or something from a group or environment. Often used in scientific, medical, or psychological contexts. Avoid in casual conversation unless discussing specific scenarios. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Detach vs Isolate
What's the difference between Detach and Isolate?
Detach: To separate or remove something. Isolate: To keep something or someone separate from others.
Which is more common: Detach and Isolate?
Isolate is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Detach: You need to detach the battery before storing the device. Isolate: Patients with the disease should be isolated.
Can I use Detach and Isolate interchangeably?
Not always. Detach and Isolate are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.