sense of estrangement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sense of estrangement" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to the feeling of being disconnected or alienated from someone or something. Example: After moving away from his hometown, John had a strong sense of estrangement from his old friends and family.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

That a palpable sense of estrangement hovered in the Loughner home.

The New York Times

What it reflected was a sense of estrangement – do we really know them?

Independent

These lines are redolent with depression and the sense of estrangement from humanity which depression fosters.

The New Yorker

Because I was once a reporter I've always felt a sense of estrangement inside the newsroom.

The Guardian - Opinion

This political inertia reinforces the widespread Sunni Arab sense of estrangement.

The New York Times

His own wife's journey west, to a conference in Copenhagen, heightens their sense of estrangement.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Of course the fact that such lines echo some of Baudelaire's most famous poems reminds us that his achievement, in large measure, consisted of translating his own neuroses into a metaphor for his times - for the spiritual perils of modern city life, its sense of alienation and estrangement.

The New York Times - Books

This felt differentness, in turn, contributes to the sense of alienation and estrangement from other human beings that typically haunts the traumatized person.

Huffington Post

These defeats have only fueled a deeper sense of political estrangement.

The Guardian - Opinion

Having the Sharks speak to one another in Spanish effectively underscores the sense of cultural estrangement that the show demands.

The New York Times

Cherif Kouachi, who appeared to mastermind the operation, only rarely attended mosque and appeared not to be particularly religious, but was driven by a sense of social estrangement.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sense of estrangement" to describe emotional and psychological states, not physical separation. Physical distance is better described as "separation", "distance", or "isolation".

Common error

Avoid using "sense of estrangement" when describing physical separation without an emotional component. For instance, saying "a sense of estrangement due to moving to a new city" is accurate only if the move also triggered feelings of alienation or disconnection. Otherwise, stick to "physical separation" or "distance".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of estrangement" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a subjective feeling of being alienated or disconnected. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Books

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

4%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sense of estrangement" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes a feeling of alienation or disconnection. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It appears most often in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Books. To ensure clarity and precision in your writing, consider the specific context and potential related terms to highlight specific aspects of the emotional disconnect. When using "sense of estrangement", remember that it describes emotional states, not merely physical separation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sense of alienation

Interchangeable with the original phrase, using a different but synonymous noun.

feeling of alienation

Focuses on the emotional experience of being alienated, similar to estrangement.

experience of alienation

Focuses on alienation as a lived experience.

feeling of disconnection

Emphasizes the lack of connection or bond.

sense of isolation

Highlights the feeling of being alone and apart from others.

feeling of being cut off

Suggests a more abrupt or forced separation.

experience of social isolation

Clarifies that the isolation is social in nature.

feeling of detachment

Implies a lack of emotional involvement or interest.

sense of otherness

Emphasizes feeling different or distinct from others.

feeling of marginalization

Highlights the experience of being excluded or pushed to the fringes.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "sense of estrangement" in a sentence?

Use "sense of estrangement" to describe a feeling of alienation or disconnection from people, places, or even oneself. For example, "After years of working abroad, she felt a growing "sense of estrangement" from her homeland."

What are some alternatives to "sense of estrangement"?

You can use alternatives like "feeling of alienation", "sense of isolation", or "feeling of detachment" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a sense of estrangement from" or "a sense of estrangement with"?

The correct preposition to use with "a sense of estrangement" is "from". For example, "a sense of estrangement from family" is correct, while "a sense of estrangement with family" is grammatically incorrect.

What is the difference between "sense of alienation" and "sense of estrangement"?

While both phrases convey a feeling of disconnect, "sense of alienation" often implies a broader societal or cultural disconnect, whereas ""sense of estrangement"" can refer to a more personal or interpersonal disconnection.