they are institutionalized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are institutionalized" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe individuals or groups that have been placed within an institution, often implying a loss of autonomy or a long-term stay in a structured environment. Example: "After years of living in the facility, they are institutionalized and find it difficult to adapt to life outside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"They are institutionalized, but very disorganized, and their violence is usually not planned, like when a kid from one gang comes across a kid from another gang in his territory".

The New York Times

In others they are institutionalized.

Huffington Post

"Obesity wreaks so much havoc on one's long-term survival capacity that obese adults either don't live long enough to be included in the survey or they are institutionalized and therefore also excluded.

Huffington Post

And they are among the most at risk of abuse and neglect, particularly if they are institutionalized.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Some programs were begun by faculty members, others by former students; they were institutionalized by the college.

The New York Times

("We are in a civilized society and we expect that the person will be protected when they're institutionalized," one of Castro's lawyers told the "Today" show).

The New Yorker

Afterward, at the hand-washing station, he asked, "So you thought the movie was perplexing?" He went on, "I hate movies where people are punished for their idiosyncrasies, when they're institutionalized or something".

The New Yorker

At another institution here, CAIS Villa Mujeres, elderly women sat tied to wheelchairs, staff members hustled to clean soiled floors as investigators moved through, and patients and their caretakers could not fully explain how or why they were institutionalized.

The New York Times

"Why are they so violent?" "I just think they're institutionalized.

Vice

It's all well and good tending to people while they're institutionalized, but if they're not armed with ways to deal more easily with the outside world once the meds run out, what chance do they ever have of integrating back into society?

Vice

They were institutionalized and thereby commemorative of power and authority, upheld tradition and esteemed order and beauty as highly intellectualized and formal qualities bestowed by the gods, especially Apollo, the god of the Sun, and thereby of order in the cosmos.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they are institutionalized", consider the connotation. It can sound impersonal or stigmatizing. Opt for more specific and empathetic language when possible, such as "they reside in a care facility" or "they are receiving long-term care".

Common error

Avoid using "they are institutionalized" without providing context. It's important to explain why someone is in an institution and what kind of care they are receiving. This helps to avoid generalizations and dehumanization.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are institutionalized" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that a group of people lives within an institutional setting. Ludwig's analysis suggests its use in conveying information about someone's living situation, often implying a lack of autonomy.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are institutionalized" is grammatically sound and commonly used to describe people living in an institutional setting. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. However, due to potential negative connotations, it's essential to consider the context and audience when using it. Alternative phrases, such as "they reside in a care facility" or "they are in residential care", may be more appropriate in some situations. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Science, reflecting its relevance in discussions about social issues and healthcare.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are confined to an institution

This alternative emphasizes the physical restriction and lack of freedom associated with being in an institution.

they reside in a facility

This is a more neutral way of saying someone lives in an institution, without implying judgment.

they are in residential care

This phrase specifies that the care is provided where the person lives.

they have been placed in care

This highlights the act of someone else making the decision to put them in an institution.

they are committed to an asylum

This implies that someone has been legally required to stay in a mental health institution.

they are wards of the state

This phrase suggests that the government has taken responsibility for their care and well-being.

they are under institutional supervision

This emphasizes the monitoring and control aspect of being in an institution.

they are in long-term care

This indicates that their stay in the institution is expected to be for an extended period.

they are residents of an institution

This alternative focuses on their status as inhabitants of the institution.

they are in a home

This is a euphemistic term for living in an institution, often used for elderly care facilities.

FAQs

What does "they are institutionalized" mean?

The phrase "they are institutionalized" means that people are residing in an institution, such as a hospital, prison, or care facility, often for an extended period, implying a structured and controlled environment.

What's a less stigmatizing way to say "they are institutionalized"?

You can use phrases like "they reside in a care facility", "they are receiving long-term care", or "they are in residential care" to avoid the negative connotations associated with "institutionalized".

Is it appropriate to use "they are institutionalized" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "they are institutionalized" might be perceived as insensitive. Consider the context and audience. More neutral alternatives might be more suitable for formal or professional writing.

How does long-term institutionalization affect people?

Long-term institutionalization can lead to dependence on the institution's routines and structures, potentially making it difficult for individuals to adapt to independent living later on.