cause division

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause division" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to something that causes a group to be divided or split up. For example, "The decision to move the office to a new location caused division among the employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Don't they cause division in society?

The Guardian - Money

Some worry that bringing religion into the public square may cause division, and fragmentation of communities.

The Guardian - Opinion

The emergence of new issues is yet another circumstance that may cause division among Christians.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Such charges, he said, come from "Talib commanders now living in Kandahar who want to cause division and make trouble".

The New York Times

"When you talk about division, it's people like this who cause division," he said of the reporter.

The Washington Post

At the beginning of the 21st century, it seemed that three issues in particular might cause division.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

The EU referendum didn't cause divisions, but it certainly did reveal them.

The Guardian

Of course, that's going to cause divisions and lay the foundations for unrest.

The Guardian

That kind of feuding may still cause divisions within the Shiite alliance.

The New York Times

Mr. Jiang and other leaders appear worried that if the struggle against Falun Gong drags on too long it could, in fact, cause divisions at the top.

The New York Times

The Premier of Victoria, Daniel Andrews, urged people not to let the plot cause divisions in the community and hatred towards Muslims.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cause division", ensure the context clearly identifies what is being divided and the source of the division. For example, "The new policy could "cause division" within the team if not implemented carefully."

Common error

Avoid using "cause division" in overly general contexts without specifying the affected group or the root cause. For example, instead of saying "That will cause division", specify who or what is being divided, such as "That statement will "cause division" within the community."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause division" functions as a verb phrase that describes the act of initiating or creating disagreement, separation, or conflict within a group or entity. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cause division" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that describes the act of creating disunity or conflict. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, with particular prevalence in News & Media. To use this phrase effectively, ensure the context clearly identifies what is being divided and the source of the division. While alternatives like "create discord" or "foster disunity" exist, the specific choice depends on the desired nuance. Avoiding overly broad statements and specifying the affected group will enhance clarity. By understanding these considerations, you can confidently and accurately employ the phrase "cause division" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create discord

Focuses on the result (discord) rather than the action of causing it.

foster disunity

Emphasizes the nurturing or encouragement of a lack of unity.

incite conflict

Highlights the active instigation of conflict or struggle.

generate disagreement

Focuses on producing differing opinions or arguments.

promote schism

Implies a more formal or institutional division.

sow seeds of discord

Uses a metaphorical expression to describe the planting of division.

trigger friction

Suggests the activation of existing tensions.

spark controversy

Emphasizes the ignition of widespread debate or disagreement.

provoke factions

Indicates the stimulation of groups with differing interests.

encourage separation

Highlights the act of urging or supporting division.

FAQs

How can I use "cause division" in a sentence?

You can use "cause division" to describe something that creates disagreement or separation within a group. For example, "The controversial decision threatened to "cause division" within the party".

What are some alternatives to "cause division"?

Some alternatives to "cause division" include "create discord", "foster disunity", or "incite conflict". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "cause division" or "cause divisions"?

"Cause division" generally refers to a singular, overarching state of separation, while "cause divisions" suggests multiple instances or types of separation. The choice depends on whether you are referring to a general state or specific instances.

What's the difference between "cause division" and "sow division"?

"Cause division" is a more direct and general term for creating separation. "Sow division" is a more metaphorical expression, implying a deliberate and often insidious planting of the seeds of discord. The latter often implies a more malicious intent.