was estranged from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was estranged from" 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 in a familial or close relationship context. Example: "After years of conflict, she was estranged from her parents and had not spoken to them in over a decade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

She was very unhappy she was estranged from her children".

The New York Times

(Fitzgerald was estranged from her at the time).

The New York Times - Sports

(Her father was divorced from her mother and she was estranged from her stepfather).

The New Yorker

When she and Leo met, she was estranged from her wealthy suburban parents.

The New York Times

(He was estranged from his fifth wife, Victoria Hopper, when he died).

The New York Times

When he died, Mr. Honig was estranged from his second wife and two adoptive sons.

The New York Times

He was estranged from his ex-wife, and I knew he didn't have a steady girlfriend.

The New Yorker

Klein was estranged from his wife Betty and lived with his companion Iris Keitel.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Maybe they are estranged from them.

The New York Times

Some are estranged from their families.

The New York Times

"He's estranged from his ex-wife.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was estranged from", ensure that the context clearly indicates the reason for the estrangement, whether it's due to conflict, distance, or differing values.

Common error

Avoid using "is estranged from" when referring to a past situation. The past tense "was estranged from" indicates a state that existed at a specific time in the past.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was estranged from" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating a state of separation or alienation experienced by someone. It describes a past condition where a relationship was broken or distant. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was estranged from" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a past state of separation or alienation. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's a phrase used to convey a sense of disconnection, often with negative implications. Primarily found in News & Media contexts, with less frequent occurrences in Wiki and Encyclopedias entries, the phrase is deemed neutral in register and serves to describe broken or distant relationships. When writing, ensure the tense is correct, as mistaking it could alter the meaning. Alternatives like "was alienated from" or "was distanced from" can offer subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was alienated from

Focuses on the feeling of being isolated or removed, implying a sense of emotional distance.

was distanced from

Highlights the physical or emotional gap that has formed between individuals.

had fallen out with

Emphasizes a specific event or disagreement that led to the separation.

was no longer close to

Indicates a gradual drifting apart, rather than a sudden conflict.

had become distant from

Suggests a change in the relationship over time, leading to less interaction.

was separated from

Focuses on the physical separation or lack of contact between individuals.

had a strained relationship with

Highlights the tension and difficulty in the relationship, without necessarily implying a complete break.

was at odds with

Emphasizes disagreement and conflict as the reason for the separation.

had a rift with

Highlights a significant break or division in the relationship.

was cut off from

Suggests a deliberate act of severing ties or communication.

FAQs

How can I use "was estranged from" in a sentence?

Use "was estranged from" to describe a past state of separation or alienation between individuals. For example, "He was estranged from his family for many years after the argument".

What are some alternatives to "was estranged from"?

You can use alternatives like "was alienated from", "was distanced from", or "had fallen out with" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is estranged from" when referring to a past relationship?

No, use "was estranged from" to refer to a past state. "Is estranged from" implies a current state of estrangement.

What's the difference between "was estranged from" and "was separated from"?

"Was estranged from" implies a breakdown in the relationship, often due to emotional or ideological differences. "Was separated from" typically refers to a physical or legal separation, such as in the case of a married couple.