became estranged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "became estranged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where individuals, often in a relationship, have grown apart or become distant from each other. Example: "After years of conflict, the siblings became estranged and no longer spoke to one another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The two became estranged.

The New York Times

(1839), Rigdon became estranged from Smith.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He became estranged from family members.

The New York Times

They became estranged for a while.

The Guardian - Film

Faraday and Davy soon became estranged, and no wonder.

The Economist

He became estranged from his father, who moved to France.

The New York Times

After he dumped Hanover, his children became estranged from him.

Independent

That was the fundamental reason he became estranged from her.

The New York Times

As the country suffered, the police and army became estranged.

The New York Times

While she became estranged, he smoked and drank too much.

The Guardian - Books

They became estranged from her for several years.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "became estranged" to describe a gradual distancing between individuals or entities, often resulting from unresolved conflicts or differing values. This phrase implies a prior close relationship that has deteriorated over time.

Common error

Avoid using "became estranged" to describe minor disagreements or temporary arguments. Estrangement implies a significant and lasting breakdown in a relationship, not just a passing conflict.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became estranged" functions as a verb phrase indicating a process of separation or alienation between individuals or groups. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in describing deteriorating relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

22%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "became estranged" is a widely used phrase to describe the process of individuals or groups growing apart and experiencing a breakdown in their relationship. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides many examples from reliable sources like the New York Times and The Guardian. The phrase is most common in news and media contexts, often denoting a significant and lasting rift, as opposed to a minor disagreement. When using this phrase, ensure that you are accurately portraying a meaningful separation and not a temporary conflict. Consider alternatives like "grew distant" or "drifted apart" if a less severe separation is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grew distant

Focuses on the gradual increase in distance, whether emotional or physical.

drifted apart

Emphasizes a slow, unintentional separation, often due to changing circumstances.

became alienated

Highlights the feeling of being isolated or excluded, suggesting a more negative emotional state.

severed ties

Indicates a deliberate and often abrupt end to a relationship or connection.

broke off contact

Specifically refers to the cessation of communication between individuals.

parted ways

A more general term for separation, not necessarily implying hostility or negativity.

had a falling out

Suggests a specific incident or disagreement that led to the separation.

ended the relationship

A direct and unambiguous statement of the termination of a relationship.

became separated

Focuses on the physical or legal act of separating, particularly in the context of marriage.

disunited

Emphasizes a loss of unity or cohesion, applicable to groups or organizations as well as individuals.

FAQs

What does "became estranged" mean?

The phrase "became estranged" describes a situation where people or groups who were once close have drifted apart, experiencing a breakdown in their relationship that often leads to separation or alienation.

How can I use "became estranged" in a sentence?

You can use "became estranged" to describe relationships that have deteriorated over time, like "After years of disagreement, the siblings "grew distant" and eventually became estranged."

What are some alternatives to "became estranged"?

Some alternatives include "grew distant", "drifted apart", or "became alienated", depending on the specific context and nuances you want to convey.

Is it better to say "became estranged" or "were estranged"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "became estranged" describes the process of growing apart, while "were estranged" describes a state of being separated or alienated. The better choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the change or the resulting condition.