a thin divide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a thin divide" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a subtle or minor distinction between two things, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "There is a thin divide between love and obsession, and it's important to recognize the difference."

✓ Grammatically correct

Pastoralism

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

There existed a thin divide between shepherd and bandit which has never been clearly defined.

Pastoralism

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

There is a thin dividing line between cuteness and cock-up.

The Guardian - Sport

It just goes to show that there's a thin dividing line in the division".

The Guardian - Sport

"There is such a thin dividing line between success and failure and you need a bit of luck on your side.

The Guardian - Sport

It's undoubtedly a hangover from the Olympics and Paralympics, where the nation justifiably united in exultation but producers should be warned, there's a thin dividing line between national celebration and the Nuremberg Rally.

The Guardian - Sport

"There is a thin dividing line in this league and we have to dust ourselves down and show our character.

BBC

We designed the cell such that the donor and acceptor streams flowed in parallel channels separated by a thin dividing wall.

Talanta

"It's a very thin dividing line between the sides in this league apart from Luton and Cambridge.

BBC

As recently as 2010, World Health Organization (WHO) treatment guidelines observed that 'in adults, there is a very thin dividing line between over-hydration, which may produce APO, and under-hydration contributing to shock, worsening acidosis and renal impairment' [ 12].

Critical Care

On the cube's exterior, a wheat-colored organic sofa bed is recessed along one side, next to a small office space separated by a thin wooden divide.

The New York Times

Anyway, there seems to me to be a paper-thin divide between the world you actually inhabit and the one you may have inhabited.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a thin divide" to describe situations where the difference between two concepts or states is subtle and easily blurred. It adds a layer of nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a thin divide" when the separation is significant or obvious. This phrase is most effective when the distinction is delicate and not immediately apparent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thin divide" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes the quality or characteristic of a separation being subtle or barely perceptible. As Ludwig AI explains, it signifies a minor distinction.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a thin divide" is a correct and usable expression in English, referring to a subtle or minor distinction between two concepts or situations. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not frequently used, it appears in various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. Related phrases include "a fine line" and "a subtle difference", offering alternative ways to convey this nuance. When using "a thin divide", ensure that the distinction you're describing is indeed subtle to avoid misrepresentation. Keep in mind it is not very frequent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fine line

Emphasizes the delicacy and precision of the distinction.

a subtle difference

Highlights the difficulty in perceiving the distinction.

a narrow margin

Focuses on the small degree of separation.

a slim distinction

Underscores the minimal nature of the separation.

a hair's breadth

Illustrates the closeness of two things.

a delicate balance

Implies a precarious equilibrium where a slight change can cause a shift.

a paper-thin wall

Highlights the flimsiness of the barrier.

a marginal difference

Stresses the insignificance of the variance.

a razor's edge

Depicts the sharpness and potential danger of the boundary.

a dividing line

Simply states the presence of a separation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a thin divide" to illustrate a subtle distinction between two concepts or situations. For example, "There is a "thin divide" between confidence and arrogance".

What phrases are similar to "a thin divide"?

Similar phrases include "a fine line", "a subtle difference", or "a narrow margin". These all convey a slight separation or distinction.

Is it correct to say "a thin divide"?

Yes, "a thin divide" is a correct and usable phrase in English. It is used to describe a delicate or subtle distinction.

What's the difference between "a thin divide" and "a wide divide"?

"A thin divide" suggests a small or subtle difference, whereas "a wide divide" indicates a significant and noticeable separation. The choice depends on the magnitude of the distinction you want to convey.