we are estranged

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'we are estranged' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use the sentence when referring to the status of a relationship between two people or two entities. For example, "After years of simmering tension, we are estranged now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"We are still friends, but politically we are estranged," he said.

The New York Times - Magazine

Like the hysterical paralytics Freud studied, birders reveal a great deal about universal human psychopathology, especially our tormented relationship to the natural world — the world that produced us and from which we are estranged.

The New Yorker

It is when we are estranged both from each other and from our political environment that we are easiest to manipulate, as the rise of demagoguery in Europe and the US seems to attest.

The Guardian - Opinion

Uncanny is unheimlich in German, or "unhomely", and Freud claims it is the home that we refuse to acknowledge and from which we are estranged which causes the double among other eerie manifestations.

The Guardian - Opinion

He's lost everything, and we are estranged as a family".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Yes, we were estranged from it.

The Guardian - Music

"We were estranged by our childhood," Sierra explained.

The New Yorker

"We were estranged for some time because of his treatment of women.

The Guardian - Books

We were estranged again for another few years.

Huffington Post

The summer we met, we forged a friendship that would endure decades including the decades we were estranged.

Huffington Post

Some of us have far less than perfect mothers, and some of us have mothers we do not know, are estranged from, or we never met; mothers who were not there to dry our tears and hold our hand as we took our first steps.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are estranged" to clearly and directly communicate a state of broken or distant relationship, emphasizing the lack of closeness or communication. It's more impactful than vague terms like "distant" when the separation is significant.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the emotional intensity when using "we are estranged". While it implies a significant separation, overusing emotionally charged language around it can make the statement seem less genuine or more dramatic than intended. Maintain a neutral tone to convey the message effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are estranged" functions as a declarative statement describing the current state of a relationship, indicating a significant emotional or communicative distance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate usage in news and personal contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are estranged" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a state of broken or distant relationships. Ludwig AI confirms this and provides numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While the phrase is emotionally charged, it is suitable for neutral communication in news, personal narratives, or professional contexts. Alternatives such as "we are not on speaking terms" or "we have grown apart" can be used depending on the specific context. Remember to use this phrase when there is a significant separation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are alienated from each other

Emphasizes a feeling of disconnection and distance.

we are not on speaking terms

Implies a deliberate cessation of communication due to a disagreement or conflict.

we are on bad terms

Indicates the relationship is currently difficult or hostile.

we have fallen out

Suggests a specific incident caused the estrangement.

we are not in contact

Simply states there is no communication between the parties.

we are no longer close

Indicates a general decline in the relationship's intimacy.

we are distant

Describes a lack of emotional closeness or involvement.

we've grown apart

Suggests a gradual divergence in interests or values.

we have parted ways

Suggests a decision to go separate directions, possibly after a disagreement.

we don't see eye to eye

Highlights fundamental disagreements and conflicting viewpoints.

FAQs

How can I use "we are estranged" in a sentence?

You can use "we are estranged" to describe a state of broken or distant relationship. For example, "After years of disagreements, /s/we+are+estranged" or "/s/we+are+estranged due to conflicting values."

What are some alternatives to "we are estranged"?

Alternatives include "we are not on speaking terms", "we have fallen out", or "we have grown apart" depending on the context and the reason for the estrangement.

What does it mean when someone says "we are estranged"?

It typically means there's a significant emotional or communicative distance between people, often due to disagreements, differing values, or a breakdown in the relationship. It indicates a more severe separation than simply being "distant".

Is it better to say "we are separated" or "we are estranged"?

"We are separated" usually implies a formal or physical separation, often in the context of marriage or partnership. "We are estranged", on the other hand, indicates an emotional or relational distance, regardless of living arrangements or legal status. The best choice depends on the specific context.