a strong divide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a strong divide" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant separation or difference between two groups, ideas, or concepts. Example: "There is a strong divide between those who support the new policy and those who oppose it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

But between that minority who believe it will have an effect for good (12%) and that which believes it has done ill (19%), there is a strong divide on grounds of established loyalties.

The Guardian

These days there's a strong divide between professional chefs and other household help.

BBC

In England there remained a strong divide between north and south.

BBC

The first official breakdown of England's public and state school-leavers' destinations shows a strong divide between the two.

BBC

They entered the phase that Argentine philosopher Francisco Romero named "philosophical normalcy", which was characterized by university-level positions, publications in specialized journals, international conferences, teaching stints in foreign institutions and, above all, a strong divide separating academic philosophical activity from social and political concerns.

SEP

Dual rental market countries are characterized by a smaller rental sector in general, along with a strong divide between an unregulated private rental sector and a (often smaller) social rental sector, with the latter being mainly targeted at low-income groups (Kemeny 1995).

European Journal of Population

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

While there is grudging acceptance of the need for some measurement framework (given the agency problem of third-party financing), there is a stronger divide on the extent to which quantitative measures should take precedence over qualitative narratives.

Huffington Post

Historically there has been a strong ethnic divide.

The Economist

There is a strong partisan divide: A majority of Republicans and independents favor cutting government spending over raising taxes on businesses, while Democrats are evenly divided.

The New York Times

A strong digital divide may further exacerbate economic inequality and poverty.

EPJ Data Science

In particular, there's a strong racial divide of affliction in countries like the U.S., where "black males are most commonly affected, with a prevalence of approximately 10percentt," as noted in a 2005 article on diagnosing and managing the disease.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a strong divide" to emphasize a significant and impactful separation between ideas, groups, or entities. This phrase is suitable when the difference is not only present but also consequential.

Common error

Avoid using "a strong divide" repetitively in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms like "significant gap" or "clear separation" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a strong divide" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes a significant separation or difference. Its primary grammatical role is to denote a clear distinction between two or more entities or concepts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a strong divide" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that effectively conveys a significant separation or difference. While not exceedingly common, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and business contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a suitable way to emphasize a substantial distinction between entities, ideas, or groups. When writing, be mindful to use it purposefully and avoid overuse, considering synonyms like "a significant gap" or "a clear separation" for variation. Ludwig's examples show it's often used to describe societal, political, or economic differences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant gap

Emphasizes the distance or difference between two things.

a clear separation

Focuses on the distinctness and lack of overlap between two entities.

a marked contrast

Highlights the differences, often in a comparative context.

a distinct division

Suggests a formal or well-defined boundary.

a pronounced difference

Indicates a noticeable and easily observable dissimilarity.

a wide gulf

Implies a large and potentially unbridgeable difference.

a sharp distinction

Highlights the clarity and precision of the difference.

a considerable disparity

Emphasizes the inequality or imbalance between two things.

a fundamental divergence

Suggests a difference in core beliefs or principles.

a categorical split

Indicates a complete and absolute separation into distinct categories.

FAQs

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

You can use "a strong divide" to describe a significant separation or difference between two groups, ideas, or concepts. For example: "There is "a strong divide" between those who support the new policy and those who oppose it."

What can I say instead of "a strong divide"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant gap", "a clear separation", or "a marked contrast" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "a strong divide" is suitable for formal writing. However, ensure that the context warrants the emphasis on the strength of the division. In some cases, a more neutral term like "a distinct division" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "a strong divide" and "a slight divide"?

"A strong divide" indicates a significant and impactful separation, while "a slight divide" suggests a minor or less consequential difference. The choice depends on the degree of separation you wish to convey.