a major rift

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major rift" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant disagreement or division between people, groups, or ideas. Example: "The recent policy changes have caused a major rift between the management and the employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Here there is a major rift".

The New York Times

Mr. Sarkozy denied a major rift, and remained unswayed.

The New York Times

This marks a major rift in the social sciences.

The New York Times

He went about as far as he could without causing a major rift.

The New Yorker

A bitter internal feud in 1996 caused a major rift among the members.

The New York Times - Arts

With unassuming brilliance, OutKast has finessed a major rift that now runs through hip-hop.

The New York Times - Arts

The disagreement led to a major rift in German-American relations.

Britannica

But her supporters say Ms. Harris's differences with the administration on mortgages do not signal a major rift.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

A major rifting phase affected NW Europe during the Triassic and resulted in the generation of numerous sedimentary basins.

Sedimentary Geology

Essentially, the area now occupied by the Metacomet Ridge is a prehistoric rift valley which was once a branch of (or a parallel of) the major rift to the east that became the Atlantic Ocean.

Wikipedia

This has resulted in a major internal rift.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a major rift", ensure the context clearly establishes the entities or ideas between which the division exists. Providing specific details about the cause and consequences of the rift enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a major rift" to describe minor disagreements or temporary setbacks. Reserve it for situations where the division is profound, enduring, and has significant implications.

Linguistic Context

A major rift functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI shows it correctly denotes a significant division or disagreement, often with lasting consequences. Examples include rifts in political relations, within organizations, or even between individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a major rift" is a versatile and frequently used expression to describe a significant division or disagreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears across various contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and formal business settings. When employing this phrase, consider the gravity of the situation and the potential impact of the rift. Alternatives such as "a significant divide" or "a substantial split" may be suitable depending on the desired tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major split

Focuses on the result of separation

a significant divide

Focuses on the separation between entities, emphasizing the extent of the difference.

a substantial split

Highlights the act of breaking apart or dividing into separate entities.

a major breach

Highlights a break of a law, duty, or promise

a considerable division

Emphasizes the magnitude and impact of the separation.

a deep fissure

Uses a more visual metaphor to describe a profound and potentially damaging break.

a sharp conflict

Focuses on the intensity and direct opposition

a serious disagreement

Underlines the presence of a significant conflict or difference of opinion.

a fundamental disagreement

Highlights the disagreement on a core or basic level.

a large chasm

Illustrates a wide gap, often suggesting a difficulty in bridging the divide.

FAQs

How can I use "a major rift" in a sentence?

You can use "a major rift" to describe a significant disagreement or division. For example, "The policy change caused a major rift between the company and its employees."

What are some alternatives to "a major rift"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant divide", "a substantial split", or "a considerable division" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a major rift" in formal writing?

Yes, "a major rift" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing serious disagreements or divisions in professional or academic contexts. However, consider the tone and choose alternatives if a less dramatic phrasing is desired.

What's the difference between "a major rift" and "a minor disagreement"?

"A major rift" describes a significant and potentially damaging division, while "a minor disagreement" refers to a small and easily resolved difference of opinion. Use "a major rift" to emphasize the severity and potential consequences of the division.