a stark divide

USAGE SUMMARY

"a stark divide" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe any situation in which there is a clear and distinct division between two things. For example: "The global pandemic has created a stark divide between those who have access to the internet and those who don't."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

A stark divide is developing on the campaign trail.

The New York Times

The Democratic primary map revealed a stark divide.

The New York Times

And polls showed a stark divide between the views of Santorum and Romney voters.

The New Yorker

MUCH of the border between the New Territories and China is a stark divide.

The Economist

However, there was a stark divide between the fortunes of Next's stores and its web operations.

The Guardian - Business

A stark divide has persisted between the growing urban middle class and an underclass with mostly nomadic roots.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

The company's failure would draw a stark dividing line through the new financial landscape.

The New York Times

In D.C. proper, the map shows a stark dividing line between the northwest section of the city and everywhere else.

The Washington Post

The stress tests released by the Obama administration Thursday painted a broad montage of the troubles in the nation's banking industry and, for the first time, drew a stark dividing line through the new landscape of American finance.

The New York Times

She wants him to win and wants everyone to help.' " Some staff members see a stark dividing line between the primaries and the general election that helps them distinguish between their old and new jobs.

The New York Times

The above photo, submitted by a reader and taken from Williamsburg on Monday evening, showed a stark dividing line between areas where residents shuffled about with candles and flashlights late into the night and early Tuesday morning, and neighborhoods where the bulbs still burned.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a stark divide" to emphasize a significant difference that is easily noticeable or has important consequences. For example: "There's a stark divide in the job market between those with tech skills and those without."

Common error

Avoid using "a stark divide" to describe minor differences or nuances. "Stark" implies a significant and often dramatic contrast, not just a slight variation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a stark divide" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It denotes a significant and often obvious separation or difference. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms that it is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a stark divide" is a commonly used noun phrase that effectively highlights significant and clear differences. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various reliable sources, particularly in news and media. When writing, use this phrase to emphasize substantial contrasts, and avoid using it for minor distinctions. Alternatives such as "a clear distinction" or "a sharp contrast" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Overall, it's a valuable phrase for adding emphasis and clarity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear distinction

Focuses on the clarity of the difference between two things.

a marked difference

Focuses on the noticeable nature of the dissimilarity.

a sharp contrast

Highlights the degree of difference, emphasizing how dissimilar the elements are.

a notable disparity

Highlights inequality or difference in amounts or qualities.

a significant gap

Emphasizes the space or difference between two positions or values.

a profound separation

Emphasizes the depth and importance of the division.

a distinct cleavage

Suggests a clean and decisive split, often in opinions or beliefs.

a fundamental opposition

Emphasizes a basic and irreconcilable disagreement.

a categorical separation

Highlights a division based on distinct categories.

a yawning chasm

Suggests a large and difficult-to-bridge gap between two sides.

FAQs

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

Use "a stark divide" to highlight a clear and significant difference or separation between two groups, ideas, or things. For example: "The election results revealed a stark divide between urban and rural voters."

What phrases can I use instead of "a stark divide"?

You can use alternatives like "a clear distinction", "a sharp contrast", or "a significant gap" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a stark divide" in formal writing?

Yes, "a stark divide" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when emphasizing a significant difference or division. It is commonly found in news articles, academic papers, and business reports.

What's the difference between "a stark divide" and "a subtle difference"?

"A stark divide" emphasizes a clear and significant separation, whereas "a subtle difference" highlights a minor and less noticeable distinction. They are near antonyms.