bitter divorce

USAGE SUMMARY

'bitter divorce' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a marriage that ended in a contentious or acrimonious separation. For example: After a long and bitter divorce, the couple finally reached a settlement agreement.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Or of her bitter divorce?

The New Yorker

A bitter divorce.

The New York Times

Gaynor's marriage ended in a bitter divorce.

The Guardian

Imagine, for instance, a depression triggered by a bitter divorce.

The New York Times - Magazine

Max's parents had separated and were undergoing bitter divorce negotiations.

The New Yorker

"This has been a bitter divorce," he said.

The New York Times

The house may be caught in a bitter divorce.

The New York Times

Cancer triggers joyful marriage but also bitter divorce.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Dodgers' woes were exacerbated by McCourt's bitter divorce battle.

The Guardian - Sport

It wasn't a bitter divorce," Evelyn Proctor said.

The Guardian

They range from amicable separation to bitter divorce.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bitter divorce" when you want to emphasize the acrimonious and unpleasant nature of the separation. This phrase is effective for conveying the depth of conflict and negative emotions involved.

Common error

While "bitter divorce" is appropriate when warranted, avoid using it excessively or gratuitously. Overusing such emotionally charged language can make your writing seem biased or sensationalized. Ensure the phrase accurately reflects the situation and is not used simply for dramatic effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bitter divorce" functions as a noun phrase, where "bitter" modifies the noun "divorce". It acts as a descriptor, indicating the quality or nature of the divorce as acrimonious or unpleasant. Ludwig AI validates this use through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bitter divorce" is a common and accepted way to describe a particularly acrimonious and conflict-ridden dissolution of marriage. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use in reputable sources, especially in the "News & Media" category. While alternatives like "acrimonious divorce" or "contentious divorce" exist, "bitter divorce" effectively conveys the depth of negative emotions involved. When using the phrase, it's essential to ensure it accurately reflects the situation and avoids sensationalism. By understanding its function and usage patterns, writers can employ "bitter divorce" appropriately to communicate the difficult realities of certain marital endings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acrimonious divorce

Replaces "bitter" with "acrimonious", emphasizing the sharpness and harshness of the divorce.

contentious divorce

Focuses on the argumentative and disputed nature of the divorce proceedings.

difficult divorce

A more general term indicating the divorce process was challenging and problematic.

messy divorce

Implies the divorce involves complications and unpleasant details.

ugly divorce

Highlights the unpleasant and distasteful aspects of the divorce.

protracted divorce

Emphasizes the length and drawn-out nature of the divorce proceedings.

high-conflict divorce

Specifically refers to divorces with intense and sustained conflict between the parties.

hostile divorce

Indicates a divorce characterized by animosity and antagonism.

painful divorce

Highlights the emotional distress and suffering caused by the divorce.

arduous divorce

Focuses on the laboriousness and difficulty endured during the divorce process.

FAQs

How can I use "bitter divorce" in a sentence?

You can use "bitter divorce" to describe a divorce characterized by significant animosity and conflict, such as: "The celebrity's "bitter divorce" was heavily publicized in the media."

What are some alternatives to "bitter divorce"?

Alternatives to "bitter divorce" include "acrimonious divorce", "contentious divorce", or "messy divorce", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "bitter divorce" a subjective or objective term?

"Bitter divorce" is somewhat subjective, as it implies a judgment about the emotional tone of the divorce. However, it is generally used when there's clear evidence of conflict and animosity, making it more than just a personal opinion.

What factors typically contribute to a "bitter divorce"?

Factors that contribute to a "bitter divorce" often include disputes over assets, child custody battles, infidelity, and a general breakdown of communication and trust between the parties involved.