had been alienated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had been alienated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being isolated or estranged from a group or individual, often in a past context. Example: "After the incident, he felt that he had been alienated from his friends and family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Gabrielsson told the press that Larsson had been alienated from his father and brother.

The New Yorker

By the end of the 19th century, large areas of Melanesian land had been alienated and the inhabitants relegated to reserves.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Chambre also was empowered to register, or refuse to register, alienations of domainal land and to reunite to the domain land that had been alienated from it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Viet Cong's ranks were soon swelled by many noncommunist Vietnamese who had been alienated by the corruption and intimidation of local officials.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At the welcoming rally of the 1988 Republican National Convention, Reagan blasted the opposition as "the party of no," while appealing to "rank-and-file Democrats" who had been alienated by the "strident liberalism and negativism" of party leaders.

The New York Times - Magazine

By 1905, however, many of Alsace-Lorraine's Roman Catholics had been alienated by the French republic's anticlerical policies, and so they shifted their aspirations toward an autonomous Alsace-Lorraine within the German Empire.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Merkel described reunification as being "all-in-all positive", but said the experience had been alienating for many.

The Guardian

Even Cristiano Ronaldo, a loyalist, has been alienated.

Independent

Most of Latin America already has been alienated by the timidity and ineffectiveness of our policy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But voters have been alienated even more by the government's handling of the economy.

The Economist

Mr. Durst has been alienated from his family for many years; his father, Seymour, died in 1995.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "had been alienated", ensure the context clearly indicates what or who caused the alienation. Specifying the source of alienation enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "had been alienated" when the active voice would be more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "He had been alienated by their constant criticism", consider "Their constant criticism had alienated him".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had been alienated" functions as a verb phrase in the past perfect passive voice. It describes a completed action of being estranged or distanced from something or someone by an external force. Ludwig provides examples showing its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

6%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "had been alienated" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a state of estrangement in the past, often caused by external factors. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news and media, as well as in encyclopedic and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, it's best practice to clearly identify the cause of the alienation for clarity. Alternative phrases like "had become estranged" or "had been isolated" can be used to convey similar meanings, depending on the specific nuance you wish to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had become estranged

Emphasizes a breakdown in the relationship, leading to separation.

had been isolated

Focuses on the state of being separated from others, physically or emotionally.

had felt excluded

Highlights the subjective experience of being left out or not included.

had lost connection

Suggests a weakening or severing of ties with a person, group, or idea.

had been distanced

Indicates a deliberate act or process of creating emotional or physical separation.

had been set apart

Implies a separation from others, often due to unique qualities or circumstances.

had grown apart

Describes a gradual divergence in interests or values, leading to separation.

had been marginalized

Focuses on being pushed to the edges of a group or society, often due to discrimination or lack of power.

had suffered estrangement

Highlights the negative experience and pain from breaking relationships.

had become disaffected

Emphasizes a loss of loyalty or enthusiasm, leading to a sense of disconnection.

FAQs

How do you use "had been alienated" in a sentence?

The phrase "had been alienated" describes a state of estrangement or isolation in the past, often resulting from a specific cause. For example, "The community had been alienated by the government's policies."

What's a good substitute for "had been alienated"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "had become estranged", "had been isolated", or "had felt excluded".

Is it better to use "had been alienated" or "became alienated"?

"Had been alienated" implies the alienation occurred over a period of time before a specific point in the past. "Became alienated" suggests a more immediate shift. Choose the phrase that better reflects the timing of the alienation.

What causes someone to "have been alienated"?

Alienation can stem from various factors, including political decisions, social exclusion, personal conflicts, or a sense of betrayal. Identifying the cause helps provide context and depth to the statement.