a sense of belonging

USAGE SUMMARY

"a sense of belonging" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when referring to the feeling of being connected to a place, group, or community. Example: Spending time with his extended family gave Mark a sense of belonging.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They want a sense of belonging.

The New York Times

There was a sense of belonging.

Independent

She had a sense of belonging.

The New York Times

It can offer a sense of belonging.

The Washington Post

Do you feel a sense of belonging?

The Guardian

It encourages a sense of belonging".

The Guardian

That gives you a sense of belonging.

The Guardian - Film

It provides a team and a sense of belonging.

The New York Times

By contrast, trust gives people a sense of belonging.

Harvard Business Review

America has given us a sense of belonging — until now.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Living in community doesn't necessarily confer a sense of belonging.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sense of belonging" to emphasize the emotional and psychological benefits of being part of a group or community. It's a powerful way to highlight the importance of social connections.

Common error

Avoid using "a sense of belonging" repeatedly in the same paragraph. Vary your language with synonyms like "connection", "inclusion", or "community" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sense of belonging" functions as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition, describing a feeling or state of being connected to a group, place, or community. Ludwig confirms its validity and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sense of belonging" is a widely used and grammatically sound noun phrase that describes the feeling of being connected and accepted within a community or group. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is a correct and common expression in written English. Its frequency across diverse sources, including news, academia, and business, highlights its relevance in contemporary communication. When using this phrase, it's important to emphasize the emotional and psychological benefits of social connections and avoid overuse in close proximity. Exploring alternatives like "feeling of connectedness" or "sense of acceptance" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of connectedness

Focuses on the emotional aspect of being linked or joined with others.

feeling of community

Highlights the experience of being part of a group sharing common interests or location.

sense of acceptance

Emphasizes being welcome and approved within a group.

feeling of inclusion

Stresses the experience of being integrated and not excluded.

sense of fellowship

Implies a friendly association with others sharing similar interests.

feeling of integration

Highlights the process of becoming an integral part of a larger group or society.

sense of identity

Focuses on finding oneself within a group or place.

feeling of rootedness

Implies a deep connection and stability within a place or community.

sense of affiliation

Highlights the formal or informal association with a group or organization.

feeling of being at home

Emphasizes comfort and security within a specific environment or group.

FAQs

How can I use "a sense of belonging" in a sentence?

You can use "a sense of belonging" to describe the feeling of being part of a community or group. For example: "Joining the club gave her "a sense of belonging"."

What is an alternative to "a sense of belonging"?

Alternatives include "feeling of connectedness", "feeling of community", or "sense of acceptance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the sense of belonging" instead of "a sense of belonging"?

While both are grammatically correct, "a sense of belonging" is more common when referring to a general feeling. "The sense of belonging" is typically used when referring to a specific instance or a defined group.

How does "a sense of belonging" differ from "fitting in"?

"A sense of belonging" implies genuine acceptance and connection, while "fitting in" can suggest conforming to meet expectations, potentially sacrificing one's individuality. The former is about being valued for who you are, while the latter can be about adapting to be accepted.