a bitter divide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bitter divide" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant and often painful separation or disagreement between two groups or individuals. Example: "The recent political events have created a bitter divide among the citizens, making it difficult for them to find common ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It has also set off a bitter divide.

The New York Times

The split between Shiites and Sunnis goes back to a bitter divide, in the seventh century, over who should succeed the Prophet Muhammad.

The New Yorker

The shooting came after the recent failure in Washington of gun control legislation inspired by the shootings in Newtown, Conn., which exposed a bitter divide on guns.

The New York Times

The largest standardized testing of such young children ever in this country, it has exposed a bitter divide between federal officials and many experts in early education.

The New York Times

But he faces a bitter divide within his party on the issue, with up to 130 MPs likely to vote against the bill.

The Guardian

It also fostered a bitter divide between those who say the stadium should rest as it is and others who say it is a white elephant and should be sold to bring in much-needed cash for the tennis club.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The river is called Ouaka, and it has morphed from the life source of the fishing and farming community to a bitter dividing line.

Huffington Post

But the past few years have seen an increasingly bitter divide among Chinese intellectuals (and party officials) over the merits of the Dickensian capitalism that China appears to have embraced.

The Economist

Driving a further wedge into Ukraine's bitter divide, separatist authorities have imposed a new time zone on their breakaway republics to keep them in line with Moscow.

Independent

Three years later, on the sixth anniversary of 9/11, General David Petraeus would face an equally bitter divided partisan rancor on the floor of the U.S. Senate.

Huffington Post

WARSAW — On a foggy April morning in 2010, the Polish president's plane crashed over Smolensk in western Russia, killing him and 95 other members of Poland's political and military elite, traumatizing the nation and opening a bitter political divide over what caused the disaster.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a bitter divide", ensure the context clearly establishes the opposing sides and the source of the division. This phrase carries emotional weight, so use it when describing deeply felt disagreements.

Common error

Avoid using "a bitter divide" in situations where the disagreement is mild or purely intellectual. The phrase implies strong animosity and can be hyperbolic if misapplied.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bitter divide" functions as a noun phrase describing a state of strong disagreement or separation. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, highlighting the severity of the division. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage based on real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a bitter divide" effectively conveys a strong and negative disagreement or separation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English. As a noun phrase, it emphasizes the intensity of the division, often highlighting emotional and relational consequences. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for formal discussions and analyses. While "a bitter divide" is a powerful descriptor, writers should be mindful of its implications and avoid overuse in mild disagreements. Alternatives like "a deep chasm" or "a sharp disagreement" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an irreconcilable difference

Implies that the differences are so great that they cannot be resolved.

a fundamental rift

Highlights the basic or essential nature of the division.

a sharp disagreement

Focuses on the disagreement aspect, portraying it as acute and distinct.

a contentious split

Implies that the division is marked by argument and debate.

a deep chasm

Emphasizes a wide and seemingly impassable gap, suggesting a more profound separation.

a heated conflict

Highlights the intensity and emotional nature of the division.

a polarized viewpoint

Indicates opposing views with no middle ground.

a schism

A formal division within a group or organization, often religious in nature.

a strained relationship

Suggests tension and difficulty in maintaining a connection.

a fractured alliance

Refers to a broken or damaged partnership.

FAQs

How can I use "a bitter divide" in a sentence?

You can use "a bitter divide" to describe strong disagreements or separations. For instance, "The debate over immigration has created a bitter divide in the country."

What are some alternatives to "a bitter divide"?

Alternatives include "a deep chasm", "a sharp disagreement", or "an irreconcilable difference", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes "a bitter divide" different from "a simple disagreement"?

"A bitter divide" suggests a deep-seated animosity and significant separation, while "a simple disagreement" implies a minor difference of opinion that is easily resolved.

Is "a bitter divide" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "a bitter divide" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing political, social, or historical conflicts. However, ensure it accurately reflects the intensity of the disagreement.