a sharp dichotomy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp dichotomy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a clear and distinct division between two opposing ideas, groups, or concepts. Example: "The debate highlighted a sharp dichotomy between traditional values and modern beliefs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Accordingly, many empiricists insist on a sharp dichotomy between the physical sciences, which ultimately must verify their theories by observation, and the deductive or a priori sciences e.g., mathematics and logic the method of which is the deduction of theorems from axioms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Inquiry is an activity, and this sort of approach, in Dewey's hands, led to a rejection of there being a sharp dichotomy between theoretical judgments and practical judgments.

SEP

However, it is unclear whether such a sharp dichotomy exists, as opposed to a more continuous output-market effect that is increasing in market distance and that may work even within national borders.

SERIEs

There is abundance of evidence that delusional phenomena are widespread in the normal population, which suggests that a sharp dichotomy between the normal and the pathological would be a simplification (see data in Maher 1974, Johns and van Os 2001, and Bentall 2003).

SEP

In recent decades, the phylogeography of the Western Palaearctic has been mainly centered around the southern refugia model, which sets a sharp dichotomy between Mediterranean peninsulas and Northern Europe, the former being areas of long-term persistence of temperate species and sources for the postglacial assembly of northern biotas.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Today, HMO vs. non-HMO comparisons are problematic because managed care organizations are managing cost and quality in several ways, and there is a continuum of weak-to-strong strategies across managed care organizations, rather than a sharp dichotomy between HMO vs. non-HMO [ 7].

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

We are calling more people plus-size these days, and I am beginning to wonder if this isn't creating a sharper dichotomy in the fashion world.

The New Yorker

He invokes Darwin's belief that any sharp dichotomy between human beings and other animals cannot survive a basic understanding of evolution.

The New York Times - Books

Moreover, all of the literature draws a single sharp dichotomy between exporters and non-exporters.

SERIEs

This is in fact a special form of pleading that rests on artificial parameters: implicit in The Rest Is Noise, for all its formal disavowals, there remains an assumed sharp dichotomy between high and low art, and a privileging of the discourse of the former.

The Guardian - Music

She is fascinated with what she sees as an artificially sharp dichotomy between disability and able-bodiedness in our society.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sharp dichotomy", ensure that the two elements you are comparing are genuinely distinct and that the difference is significant enough to warrant such strong language.

Common error

Avoid using "a sharp dichotomy" when the difference is more nuanced or gradual. Overstating the distinction can lead to misrepresentation and weaken your argument. Instead, consider using softer phrases like "a subtle difference" or "a slight contrast".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp dichotomy" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It often serves to introduce or highlight a significant division or contrast, similar to the usage exemplified by Ludwig in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sharp dichotomy" is a phrase used to emphasize a clear and significant division or contrast between two entities. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it is grammatically correct and most frequently found in science, news and media, and encyclopedic contexts. While effective for highlighting distinct differences, it should be used judiciously to avoid overstating subtle nuances. Alternative phrases such as "a clear distinction" or "a marked contrast" can offer similar emphasis with varying degrees of intensity. Remember to ensure the dichotomy is genuinely significant before employing this phrase to maintain accuracy and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear distinction

Emphasizes clarity and distinctness in the separation.

a marked contrast

Highlights the noticeable differences between two things.

a distinct division

Focuses on the act of separating into clearly defined parts.

a stark difference

Suggests an extreme and easily noticeable difference.

a pronounced separation

Indicates a very noticeable and clear separation.

a fundamental opposition

Highlights a basic conflict or contrast between two things.

a radical divergence

Suggests a significant departure or difference in direction.

a polarized view

Implies two strongly contrasting and opposing viewpoints.

a binary opposition

Emphasizes a division into two mutually exclusive categories.

a categorical split

Highlights a division based on distinct categories or classifications.

FAQs

How can I use "a sharp dichotomy" in a sentence?

Use "a sharp dichotomy" to describe a clear and distinct division between two opposing ideas, groups, or concepts. For instance, "The debate highlighted "a sharp dichotomy" between traditional values and modern beliefs."

What are some alternatives to "a sharp dichotomy"?

You can use alternatives like "a clear distinction", "a marked contrast", or "a distinct division" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a sharp dichotomy"?

It is appropriate when there is a clear and significant difference or opposition between two things. Ensure that the division is not overly simplified or misrepresented.

Is there a risk of overusing the phrase "a sharp dichotomy"?

Yes, overuse can diminish its impact. Use it judiciously to emphasize genuinely significant distinctions. Consider alternatives when the difference is more subtle.