What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
isolate
Example
The doctor recommended that we isolate ourselves for two weeks after being exposed to COVID-19. [isolate: verb]
Example
The lab technician was able to isolate the virus from the patient's blood sample. [isolate: verb]
Example
After moving to a new city, I felt isolated and lonely without any friends or family nearby. [isolated: adjective]
separate
Example
Please separate the recyclables from the regular trash. [separate: verb]
Example
It can be difficult to separate fact from fiction in today's media landscape. [separate: verb]
Example
The IT department had to separate the infected computers from the rest of the network. [separate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Separate is more commonly used than isolate in everyday language, due to its versatility and wider range of applications.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between isolate and separate?
Both isolate and separate can be used in formal or informal contexts, but isolate may be more commonly used in technical or scientific writing due to its specific connotations.
