sense of alienation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sense of alienation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe feelings of isolation or disconnection from a group, society, or environment. Example: "After moving to a new city, she experienced a profound sense of alienation from her surroundings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The sense of alienation is hardly surprising.

The Guardian

"There is a sense of alienation.

The Guardian

The sense of alienation is shocking.

The Guardian - Books

They reflected on their shared sense of alienation.

The New York Times

Having to wear glasses added to his sense of alienation.

The Guardian - Sport

There is something compelling about the sense of alienation here.

The Guardian - Books

Such complaints have fueled Mr. Fugard's sense of alienation.

The New York Times

There is a widespread sense of alienation from politics.

The Guardian - Opinion

The sense of alienation and economic and political marginalization runs deep in the Baluch people.

The New York Times

All over the city, people say, the billboard frenzy has reinforced a sense of alienation.

The New York Times

Adding to his sense of alienation, he was a gay man in a hostile straight society.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sense of alienation" to describe a feeling of detachment from society, a group, or one's environment. It often implies a lack of belonging or connection.

Common error

While "sense of alienation" is widely used, avoid using it excessively in very informal writing or conversations where simpler terms like "feeling left out" or "disconnected" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of alienation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe a feeling of disconnection or estrangement. Examples show it describing feelings related to society, culture, or personal relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Books

15%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sense of alienation" is a grammatically correct and versatile term used to describe feelings of disconnection or estrangement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is common in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While alternatives like "feeling of estrangement" or "sense of disconnection" exist, "sense of alienation" provides a nuanced way to express detachment from society, groups, or environments. When writing, consider the formality of the context and choose simpler terms for very informal situations. Remember that this phrase works effectively in formal and informal contexts. The usage patterns indicate it is frequent in news, books, and opinion pieces.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of estrangement

Focuses more on the feeling of being a stranger or being estranged from something.

feeling of isolation

Highlights the feeling of being alone and separated from others.

sense of disconnection

Emphasizes a lack of connection or bond with people or things.

feeling of detachment

Suggests a more clinical or emotional distance from situations or people.

experience of marginalization

Highlights the experience of being excluded from the mainstream of society.

state of estrangement

Implies a more permanent or profound separation.

experience of isolation

Focuses on the personal experience of being isolated.

feeling of otherness

Highlights the feeling of being different or not belonging.

sense of exclusion

Emphasizes being left out or prevented from participating.

feeling of being an outsider

Highlights the sensation of not being part of a group or community.

FAQs

How can I use "sense of alienation" in a sentence?

You can use "sense of alienation" to describe a feeling of detachment from society. For instance, "The rapid changes in the city led to a "sense of alienation" among long-time residents."

What's the difference between "sense of alienation" and "feeling of estrangement"?

"Sense of alienation" generally implies a broader disconnection from society or a group, while "feeling of estrangement" often refers to a more personal or emotional separation from individuals or familiar surroundings.

What are some alternatives to using "sense of alienation" in my writing?

Depending on the specific context, you could use phrases like "feeling of isolation", "sense of disconnection", or "feeling of detachment".

Is "sense of alienation" a formal or informal expression?

"Sense of alienation" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally perceived as a more sophisticated and nuanced expression than simpler alternatives.