I am estranged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I am estranged" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where you have become distant or disconnected from someone, often a family member or close friend. Example: "After years of conflict, I am estranged from my brother, and we no longer speak."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

I am estranged from it now, which is extremely difficult.' Naples is a proud but battered city where life is agrodolce, bittersweet: a city of breathtaking beauty but perched on a fault line and nestled under a volcano.

The Guardian - Film

I am estranged from my parents and that won't change.

Huffington Post

I need to watch my own temptation towards judgement and dogmatism; I can reach out to those in my life with whom I am estranged, and I can continue to work for full inclusion of LGBT in all aspects of our society, including the church.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Wherever I am, I'm estranged".

The New Yorker

"I'm estranged from my children.

The New York Times

Be Big About It My brother and I are estranged.

The New York Times

At home, I'm estranged from my family, who are shopping as normal.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The other is an elderly relative from whom I was estranged, but with whom I now correspond by e-mail.

The New York Times

Jeanne: When my brother who I was estranged from died I felt torn about going to the funeral.

The New York Times

I'm estranged from my family, so I didn't have a celebration or cards or a hearty congratulations to look forward to.

The Guardian - Opinion

My father and I were estranged.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase “I am estranged” to clearly communicate a state of emotional or relational distance, especially when describing family or personal relationships. It's more formal and carries more weight than simply saying you're "not close."

Common error

Avoid using “I am estranged” to describe short-term separations or minor disagreements. Estrangement implies a significant and often long-lasting break in a relationship. If you are just temporarily distant, other phrases like “I am taking a break” or “I am not currently speaking to them” may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I am estranged" functions as a declarative statement expressing a state of separation or alienation from someone or something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The examples provided by Ludwig highlight its use in describing broken relationships with family or places.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I am estranged" is a grammatically sound and formally acceptable way to describe a state of separation or alienation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, noting its appearance in reputable sources. While not extremely frequent, it is commonly used in news and media to depict broken relationships, often within families. When using this phrase, be mindful of its serious tone and the implications of a significant relational break.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am estranged from my family

Specifies that the disconnection is specifically with family.

I am alienated

Focuses on the feeling of isolation and difference from a group or person.

I am distanced

Emphasizes the physical or emotional gap that has formed.

I am cut off

Implies a more abrupt and forceful separation.

I am no longer close

Describes a gradual drift apart.

I am separated

Highlights a formal or legal division.

I am divided

Suggests a split in loyalty or opinion.

My relationship is broken

Emphasizes damage to a previously good connection.

I am detached

Indicates a lack of emotional involvement or connection.

I am disaffected

Highlights a loss of affection or loyalty.

FAQs

What does it mean to say "I am estranged"?

Saying "I am estranged" means you have become distant or alienated from someone, often a family member or close friend, usually due to conflict or disagreement.

What can I say instead of "I am estranged"?

You can use alternatives like "I am alienated", "I am distanced", or "I am cut off" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I am estranged"?

Yes, "I am estranged" is grammatically correct. The verb "estrange" is correctly used in its past participle form as an adjective describing the state of being separated or alienated.

How is "I am estranged" different from "I am separated"?

"I am estranged" implies a breakdown in a relationship, often due to emotional or personal reasons. "I am separated" usually refers to a formal or legal separation, such as in a marriage.