a divide between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a divide between" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to refer to a separation or difference between two things or groups. Example: There is a growing divide between the rich and the poor in our society, with the wealthy becoming wealthier and the disadvantaged struggling to make ends meet.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cultural differences create a divide between you and your suppliers.

Harvard University

There's a divide between life and academic research.

The Guardian

But a divide between rich and poor is growing.

The New York Times

There is a divide between them and other Americans.

The Guardian

Or less of a divide between Test grounds and others?

The Guardian - Sport

It is possible that cultural differences can create a divide between you and your suppliers.

Harvard University

There is definitely a divide between rich and poor in baseball.

The New York Times - Sports

There is too much of a divide between management and frontline social work.

The Guardian

Graphic design itself seems to reinforce and police a divide between masculine significance and feminine inconsequence.

The Guardian - Books

It's a divide between people who are inward-facing and outward-facing".

The New Yorker

The acting categories also reflect a divide between the fantastical and the earthbound.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a divide between", ensure that the two entities being separated are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a divide between" when discussing more than two distinct entities. Instead, consider alternatives like "among" or "across" to accurately reflect the relationships.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a divide between" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun or as an adverbial phrase providing context. Ludwig examples showcase its role in highlighting separation or distinction between entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a divide between" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to highlight separation, difference, or distinction between two entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, including news, academia, and business. While frequently found in News & Media sources, it's essential to clearly define the entities being separated. When describing separation among more than two items, alternative phrasing should be considered for greater clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a separation between

Focuses on the act of separating, implying a more deliberate action than a natural divide.

a gap between

Suggests a space or interval, often implying a lack of connection or understanding.

a gulf between

Implies a significant and often unbridgeable difference, suggesting a deeper chasm.

a chasm between

Emphasizes a profound and seemingly impassable separation.

a distinction between

Highlights a clear difference or contrast, often used in analytical contexts.

a disparity between

Indicates an inequality or imbalance, often related to socioeconomic factors.

a contrast between

Directly points out the differences when comparing two things.

a differentiation between

Highlights the act of distinguishing between two or more items based on specific characteristics.

a divergence between

Suggests a branching out or deviation, indicating a separation in direction or opinion.

a split between

Indicates a division into distinct groups, often implying conflict or disagreement.

FAQs

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

The phrase "a divide between" is used to indicate a separation or difference between two distinct entities. For example, "There is "a divide between" the rich and the poor".

What's the difference between ""a divide between"" and "a gap between"?

"A divide between" suggests a separation or distinction, while "a gap between" implies a space or lack of connection. The former highlights difference, the latter highlights absence.

What can I say instead of ""a divide between"" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using "a separation between" or "a distinction between". These options offer a more elevated and precise expression of the concept.

Is it correct to say "a divide between" more than two things?

The phrase "a divide between" is typically used to describe the separation of two distinct entities. If you are referring to more than two, consider rephrasing using "among" or "across" for better accuracy, such as "a divide among different opinions".