living in a bubble

USAGE SUMMARY

"living in a bubble" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to live in a state of isolation, unaware of or unaffected by the realities of the outside world. Example: "She had been sheltered by her wealthy parents her entire life, living in a bubble of privilege and never facing any real challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Who says living in a bubble is a bad thing?

The New York Times

"I was living in a bubble of restriction," she wrote.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"So comfortable, we're living in a bubble, bubble.

The New Yorker

"I think we sometimes get this bad rap for living in a bubble," he said.

The New York Times

"The regime is living in a bubble and have no sense of reality," he said.

The New York Times

If you haven't heard of Ebola, you're living in a bubble.

The Guardian - Opinion

Every single thing in her life leads to where she is — still living in a bubble.

The New York Times - Magazine

Before 25 January 2011, people like me were living in a bubble.

The Guardian

Even somebody living in a bubble stretching over Harvard Yard would have difficulty believing that.

The New Yorker

Yet perhaps it is the newspapers, for all the polished competence of their investigations, which are living in a bubble.

The Economist

But it's worth remembering that, besides the hardships, there can be benefits to living in a bubble.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase to critique or analyze situations where individuals or groups are detached from broader societal realities. This can be particularly effective in political, social, or economic commentary.

Common error

Avoid using "living in a bubble" when simply describing someone's personal preferences or hobbies. The phrase carries a connotation of detachment from important realities, so misusing it can create a negative or judgmental tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "living in a bubble" functions as a descriptive idiom, often used to characterize a person, group, or system that is isolated from the realities of the external world. It often carries a negative connotation, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "living in a bubble" is a common and correct idiom used to describe a state of isolation or detachment from reality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used, particularly in news and media contexts. The phrase carries a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of awareness or understanding of important real-world issues. While alternatives like "sheltered life" or "detached from reality" exist, "living in a bubble" provides a vivid and critical description of this state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

detached from reality

Highlights a lack of awareness or understanding of real-world issues.

unaware of the outside world

Directly indicates a lack of knowledge about what is happening beyond one's immediate environment.

sheltered life

Emphasizes protection from negative experiences or harsh realities.

out of touch

Suggests a loss of connection with current trends, opinions, or events.

isolated existence

Focuses on the state of being separate from others and outside influences.

insulated from the truth

Implies being shielded from factual information, often intentionally.

confined to a narrow perspective

Focuses on limited viewpoints and restricted understanding.

in a self-contained world

Describes a state of existing largely independently of external factors.

walled off from society

Suggests a deliberate separation from the broader community.

cloistered existence

Highlights a secluded and often religious or academic lifestyle.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "living in a bubble" in a sentence?

Use "living in a bubble" to describe situations where someone is isolated from reality. For example, "Politicians "living in a bubble" often fail to understand the needs of ordinary citizens".

What are some alternative ways to express the idea of "living in a bubble"?

You can use alternatives like "sheltered life", "detached from reality", or "unaware of the outside world" depending on the context.

Is "living in a bubble" a negative expression?

Yes, "living in a bubble" typically has a negative connotation. It implies that someone is out of touch with reality or unaware of important issues.

What's the difference between "living in a bubble" and "isolated existence"?

"Isolated existence" simply means being separated from others, while "living in a bubble" suggests being unaware of or unaffected by the realities of the outside world. The latter carries a stronger implication of ignorance or detachment.