Cool MateIsolate vs Separate
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Isolate
Separate
| Isolate | Separate | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈaɪsəleɪt/","/ˈaɪsəleɪts/","/ˈaɪsəleɪtɪd/","/ˈaɪsəleɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈaɪsəleɪt/","/ˈaɪsəleɪts/","/ˈaɪsəleɪtɪd/","/ˈaɪsəleɪtɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈseprət/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈseprət/"]/ |
| Meaning | To keep something or someone separate from others. | To put things apart from each other. |
| Example | Patients with the disease should be isolated. | It's important to keep the separate components of the experiment organized. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | A2 |
| Part of speech | verb | adjective |
| Collocations | isolate a variable, isolate from others, isolate the problem, isolate the pathogen, isolate oneself | be, become, remain, somewhat, very, essentially, from, go your separate ways, be, become, remain, somewhat, very, essentially, from, go your separate ways |
| Antonyms | connect, associate, unite | combine, join, unite |
| Common mistakes | 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.' | 'Seperate' is a common misspelling., 'Separating' is sometimes incorrectly used with a direct object when it should not be. |
| Usage notes | 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. | Use 'separate' when discussing dividing items or concepts. It's neutral, suitable for both written and spoken contexts. Avoid in overly casual conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Isolate vs Separate
What's the difference between Isolate and Separate?
Isolate: To keep something or someone separate from others. Separate: To put things apart from each other.
Which is more common: Isolate and Separate?
Separate is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Isolate and Separate?
Isolate is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Are Isolate and Separate the same CEFR level?
Isolate: B2, Separate: A2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Isolate and Separate?
Isolate: verb, Separate: adjective.
Can you show an example of each?
Isolate: Patients with the disease should be isolated. Separate: It's important to keep the separate components of the experiment organized.
Can I use Isolate and Separate interchangeably?
Not always. Isolate and Separate 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.