bridge the divide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bridge the divide" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing efforts to connect or reconcile differences between groups, ideas, or perspectives. Example: "The organization aims to bridge the divide between urban and rural communities through collaborative projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I think attempts are being made to bridge the divide.

The New York Times

Wanting to bridge the divide between "us" and "them".

Yale University

Their book, which presents a series of case studies, aims to bridge the divide.

The New York Times

Better to hold "an international conference to bridge the divide between Muslim and Christian communities".

The New Yorker

The compromises urged by Archbishop Williams have failed to bridge the divide.

The New York Times

But the sleepy bonhomie did not bridge the divide between the parties.

The New York Times

Their start-up was designed to bridge the divide between job-seekers and job-creators.

The New York Times

Mr Ebrard may be one of the few figures who can bridge the divide.

The Economist

Negotiating the Nonnegotiable presents a practical strategy to overcome these powerful dynamics and bridge the divide.

Harvard University

Society needs to use these advances instead to bridge the divide.

Cornell University

Take steps to bridge the divide between freshmen/sophomores and juniors/seniors.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bridge the divide" when you want to emphasize the act of connecting two distinct and often opposing entities. For example, use it to describe initiatives that connect different cultures, ideologies, or socioeconomic groups.

Common error

Don't use "bridge the divide" when the entities you are describing are already very similar. The phrase implies a significant separation or disagreement that needs to be overcome, so it's less appropriate when the gap is minimal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bridge the divide" functions as a metaphorical expression, primarily used as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in a wide range of contexts. It describes actions taken to connect or reconcile differing entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bridge the divide" is a versatile and widely used phrase that signifies efforts to connect or reconcile differing entities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and its prevalence across news, academic, and business contexts underscores its broad applicability. While alternatives like "close the gap" and "reconcile differences" exist, "bridge the divide" effectively conveys the act of creating a connection where one is lacking. Remember to use it when describing efforts to connect distinct entities, and avoid overusing it in contexts where the separation is minimal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close the gap

Focuses more on reducing a disparity rather than actively connecting two sides.

reconcile differences

Emphasizes the resolution of disagreements and restoration of harmony.

connect the differences

Highlights the act of linking distinct elements or viewpoints.

overcome divisions

Focuses on surpassing barriers that separate individuals or groups.

unify factions

Implies bringing together groups that are often in conflict.

foster understanding

Stresses the promotion of empathy and mutual comprehension.

build consensus

Highlights the process of reaching a collective agreement.

mediate conflict

Focuses on intervening to resolve disputes and facilitate communication.

forge connections

Emphasizes the creation of new relationships or links.

harmonize perspectives

Highlights the process of aligning differing viewpoints.

FAQs

How can I use "bridge the divide" in a sentence?

You can use "bridge the divide" to describe efforts to connect disparate groups or ideas. For example, "The organization aims to "bridge the divide" between urban and rural communities through collaborative projects."

What can I say instead of "bridge the divide"?

You can use alternatives like "close the gap", "reconcile differences", or "connect the differences" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "bridge the divide" or "close the gap"?

While both phrases are similar, ""bridge the divide"" suggests actively connecting two distinct entities, whereas "close the gap" focuses on reducing a disparity. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "bridge the divide" differ from "unify factions"?

"Bridge the divide" implies creating a connection where one currently doesn't exist, while "unify factions" suggests bringing together groups that are actively opposed or in conflict. The latter has a stronger connotation of resolving existing tensions.