has been estranged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been estranged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone has become distant or disconnected from another person, often due to conflict or disagreement. Example: "After years of arguments, she has been estranged from her family, leading to a deep sense of loneliness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Mr. Rose has been estranged from the original members of the band for years.

The New York Times

Mr. Burkle has been estranged from his ex-wife, Janet, since 1992.

The New York Times

Mr. Brown has been estranged from the boy's mother, Patricia Brown, for about a year.

The New York Times

Henin has been estranged from her father since before the Australian Open.

The New York Times - Sports

Unexpectedly, her mother, from whom she has been estranged for years, arrives at her bedside.

The Guardian - Books

We invited my husband's niece, whose family has been estranged from ours for years, and a guest.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

They have been estranged since 2004.

The New York Times - Sports

He and Frank have been estranged ever since.

The Guardian

(Giuliani and his first wife, Regina, had been estranged for a number of years).

The New Yorker

But for many years he had been estranged from others of his children.

The New Yorker

But for some reason Mr. Brick had been estranged from all his relatives for decades.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been estranged", ensure the context clearly indicates the duration and reason for the separation, providing a comprehensive understanding of the relationship dynamics.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "has been estranged" when referring to a future or ongoing reconciliation. Use "is estranged" or "will be estranged" depending on the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been estranged" functions as a passive perfect construction, indicating a state of separation or alienation that began in the past and continues to the present. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has been estranged" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a state of separation or alienation that began in the past and persists into the present. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its correctness and usability are well-established. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it carries a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When employing this phrase, ensure that the reasons and duration of the estrangement are clearly articulated to provide a complete picture of the relationship dynamics. Alternatives like "has become alienated" or "has grown apart" can offer subtle nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is estranged

A shorter version that omits "has been", retaining the core meaning.

has become alienated

Focuses on the feeling of being alienated, highlighting the emotional distance.

has become distant

Indicates a lack of closeness or intimacy, implying a coldness in the relationship.

has grown apart

Emphasizes a gradual drifting away, suggesting a slow decline in the relationship.

has broken ties with

Highlights a deliberate act of severing connections, emphasizing a more forceful separation.

has fallen out with

Suggests a conflict or disagreement led to the separation.

is no longer on speaking terms

Focuses on the lack of verbal communication, indicating a complete breakdown in the relationship.

is at odds with

Highlights a state of disagreement or conflict, emphasizing the tension between the parties.

is cut off from

Suggests a forced separation or isolation, often implying a lack of control over the situation.

is separated from

Implies a formal or legal separation, suggesting a more structured distancing.

FAQs

How can I use "has been estranged" in a sentence?

You can use "has been estranged" to describe a relationship where someone has become distant from another person. For example, "She "has been estranged" from her family for years."

What's a good alternative to "has been estranged"?

Alternatives include "has become alienated", "has grown apart", or "has become distant", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "is estranged" and "has been estranged"?

"Is estranged" describes a current state, while "has been estranged" implies a state that began in the past and continues to the present.

Is it correct to say someone "has been estranged"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Ludwig AI also confirms its correctness. The phrase "has been estranged" is commonly used to describe a state of separation or distance.