estranging

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "estranging" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes a feeling of alienation or separation from someone or something. Example: "The constant criticism from his peers was estranging him from his once close friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

This has increased his appeal to reformist youths without estranging him from the wider, stability-seeking public.Mr Abolfotoh has also profited from the decision in January by Mohamed ElBaradei, the former director of the International Atomic Energy Agency and an important figurehead for Egyptian liberals, to drop out of the race in protest at the army's handling of the transition.

The Economist

Although some Labour modernisers, like Chuka Umunna, the party's business spokesman, fret about estranging wealth-creators and people becoming too reliant on public-sector support, Mr Miliband has for now won that argument.

The Economist

This episode affected Ibn Ezra deeply, not only estranging him from his brothers and driving him from Granada but also influencing his subsequent poetry.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He painted many great church frescoes, but his greatest works are his portraits, which manage to be both warmly intimate and oddly estranging.

Independent

The Woodvilles, a family with strong Lancastrian connections, never achieved real political influence, but they climbed into positions of trust near the king, thus estranging Warwick still further.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Individual charity might have a refining effect on the character of the donor, but poor relief from the state engendered irresponsibility in recipients while embittering those whose resources went to fund it: "There could hardly be found a more efficient device for estranging men from each other, and decreasing their fellow-feeling, than this system of state-almsgiving.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Estranged from her family, Vachata had nowhere else to go.

The Guardian - Money

Batty will also speak about the media response to the death of her 11-year-old son, Luke, who was murdered by his father, Batty's estranged partner Greg Anderson, in February last year.

The Guardian

The main focus of his life is his seven-year-old son, though he is estranged from the mother of the child.

The Guardian - Sport

SM: There have been many happy days and many unhappy ones, but the most important was the day I met my missus, who is sometimes estranged and sometimes not.

The Guardian - Music

You can't "do something about your toothache", but you can call your dentist; you can't "heal your relationship with your estranged Uncle Horace", but you could write him a letter.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "estranging" to describe actions or situations that cause a sense of alienation or detachment between people, ideas, or entities. Be mindful of the emotional impact this word carries.

Common error

Avoid using "estranging" in overly casual or informal settings where simpler words like "alienating" or "distancing" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "estranging" is as a present participle or gerund form of the verb "estrange". It is used to describe something that causes a feeling of alienation or separation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

9%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "estranging" functions as a present participle or gerund, describing something that causes alienation or separation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and frequently used in written English. Its primary purpose is to highlight the creation of emotional distance, often found in news, encyclopedias and scientific contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal registers, avoiding overuse in overly casual settings. Consider alternatives like "alienating", "distancing", or "isolating" to tailor your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alienating

This term directly implies causing someone to feel isolated or distanced, similar to "estranging".

causing alienation

Directly refers to the creation of feelings of estrangement or disconnection.

distancing

Focuses on the action of creating emotional or physical distance.

isolating

Highlights the act of setting someone apart, emphasizing their separation from others.

setting apart

Emphasizes the creation of distinctiveness that leads to separation.

driving away

Indicates an active process of causing someone to leave or become distant.

creating distance

Highlights the action of making emotional or physical space between individuals.

making unfriendly

Implies that something creates a hostile environment causing others to keep distance.

rupturing relationships

Focuses on damage or breakage of relationship bonds.

fostering division

Highlights the promotion of conflict and opposition, causing separation.

FAQs

How can I use "estranging" in a sentence?

"Estranging" is used to describe something that causes alienation or distance. For instance, "His constant criticism was estranging him from his friends."

What are some alternatives to "estranging"?

Alternatives include "alienating", "distancing", or "isolating", depending on the context.

What does it mean for something to be "estranging"?

When something is described as "estranging", it means that it causes a feeling of separation or alienation, making individuals feel distant from each other or from a particular environment.

How does "estranging" differ from "alienating"?

While both terms suggest separation, "estranging" often implies a pre-existing relationship that is being disrupted, whereas "alienating" can refer to a more general sense of disconnect.