a serious divide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious divide" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant difference or gap between two groups, opinions, or situations. Example: "The recent policy changes have created a serious divide between the management and the employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

This is a serious divide.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead of finding shared interests linking those who need work and those who need workers, I uncovered a serious divide that limits the success of both.

The New York Times

Absolutely baseless information is spread by ACTUAL news sources on a daily basis and have resulted in a serious divide without our country".

Independent

This will, therefore, lead to higher rates of K-12 students not pursuing higher education and create a serious divide between the students who "can do the Common Core" and the amount those who cannot.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Why, she asks, "do Americans seem so much more reluctant to marry outside of their political affiliation than their faith?", and she answers that they may be "unaware or unwilling to acknowledge that religion can be a serious dividing in a marriage".

The New York Times

There is a cultural divide at work here - but there is also a serious generational divide.

Huffington Post

Ethnic tensions between Kurds and Arabs are threatening again to become a serious political divide in the country.

The New York Times

So if Bertelsmann buys Napster, it will have two of its divisions on opposite sides of a serious legal divide, with billions of dollars in damages at stake.

The New York Times

Although jokes about Geordies not being very bright are legion (particularly among neighbours in Yorkshire) the figures mask a serious North/South divide when it comes to the best educated people in the country.

The Guardian

In part, he said, it's indicative of a serious generational divide.

Vice

The controversy set up yet another serious divide between American officials and Mr. Karzai at a time when the Obama administration has made combating corruption in the Afghan government a major policy goal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a serious divide", ensure the context clearly establishes the entities or concepts being separated. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a serious divide" when describing minor disagreements or differences. Reserve this phrase for situations where the separation or disagreement has significant consequences or implications.

Linguistic Context

"A serious divide" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object within a sentence. It describes a significant separation or disagreement, as shown in Ludwig's examples where it refers to divides in politics, hiring practices, education, and cultural issues.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

13%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a serious divide" is a noun phrase used to describe a significant separation or disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. While versatile, it's best reserved for describing separations with considerable implications. Related phrases include "a significant rift" and "a fundamental disagreement", offering alternative ways to express similar concepts. When writing, ensure the context clearly identifies what is being divided and avoid using the phrase for minor differences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant rift

Emphasizes a break or split, often implying damage to a relationship or unity. It focuses more on the consequences of the divide.

a major schism

Suggests a deep division, especially within a group or organization, often related to differing beliefs or ideologies. It's often used in religious or political contexts.

a deep chasm

Implies a large and seemingly unbridgeable gap, often used metaphorically to describe differences in opinion, understanding, or circumstances. It is often used to describe a divide that seems difficult to overcome.

a wide gulf

Suggests a substantial difference or separation, often highlighting the disparity between two things. It focuses on the magnitude of the difference.

a stark contrast

Highlights a clear and obvious difference, often emphasizing opposing qualities or characteristics. It emphasizes the visibility and clarity of the divide.

a fundamental disagreement

Emphasizes a basic difference in opinion or belief, often underlying other conflicts or disputes. It focuses on the root cause of the divide.

a contentious issue

Highlights a topic that causes disagreement and is likely to provoke debate or argument. It focuses on the potential for conflict arising from the divide.

a point of contention

Highlights specific issue where people or groups disagree.

a source of conflict

Highlights that division is the cause of a potential conflict.

a bone of contention

Figurative saying to indicate a point of continued argument or dispute.

FAQs

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

Use "a serious divide" to describe a significant difference or separation between groups, ideas, or situations. For example, "There is "a serious divide" between the rich and the poor in this country." It highlights a substantial issue causing separation.

What's a more formal way to say "a serious divide"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "a significant rift" or "a fundamental disagreement". These options maintain a professional tone while conveying the gravity of the separation.

What are some less formal alternatives to "a serious divide"?

For less formal settings, you could use "a wide gulf" or simply "a stark contrast". These options offer a lighter tone while still indicating a notable difference.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "a serious divide"?

Avoid using "a serious divide" when describing minor disagreements or trivial differences. The phrase is best reserved for scenarios where the separation has substantial implications or consequences, so it's not used to describe something like a simple preference.