close the divide between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close the divide between" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing efforts to reduce differences or gaps between two groups, ideas, or situations. Example: "The new policy aims to close the divide between urban and rural education systems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

To try to close the divide between children and adults, Peiris is leading FDA efforts to make the approvals process for pediatric devices more efficient.

Stanford University

Designed in the 1870s and inspired by Islamic architecture, Leighton House shows how empathetic architecture can close the divide between peoples and religions.

The Guardian - Arts

Uefa has been exploring ways to close the divide between clubs but Buck said: "I personally believe for the development of football, marquee clubs and marquee players are important.

The Guardian - Sport

The aim of the Cottrell Scholar program has been to close the divide between education and research at universities and encourage the development of leading scientists who are also talented educators.

Science Magazine

That is that governments must close the divide between what they say, and what they do.

HuffPost

The Blue Star Families Neighbor award is one of the many ways the nonprofit, comprised of military spouses, is working to close the divide between the military and civilian community.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

ALEX KOPPELMAN: Now he's talking about closing the divide between the two parties.

The New Yorker

But successful development, they argue, will depend on closing the divide between the Shiite-dominated government in Baghdad, which has long ignored the province, and the local leadership in Anbar, which has long tried to remain independent from the capital.

The New York Times

"Support for stricter gun laws dropped 16 points among Americans over 50 years old in that same time".One way of describing post-Newtown opinion is that a shocking event briefly closed the divide between Americans who live with high rates of gun homicide and those who do not.

The Economist

Persistence is what brings it all together and, I believe, what ultimately closes the divide between success and failure.

Forbes

At six feet tall Ms. McTeer towered over Ms. Close, underscoring the divide between their characters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "close the divide between", ensure that the two entities being connected are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "close the divide between" when the intention is simply to acknowledge a difference without actively seeking to reduce it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close the divide between" functions as a verbal phrase indicating an action aimed at reducing or eliminating differences between two distinct entities or groups. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close the divide between" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing, as Ludwig AI confirms. It signifies an effort to reduce or eliminate disparities between distinct entities. While various alternative phrases exist—such as ""bridge the gap between"" or ""narrow the gap between""—the choice depends on the specific nuance intended. When employing this phrase, clarity in defining the entities being connected is crucial. While generally neutral in tone, its usage should align with situations where active reduction of a divide is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bridge the gap between

Focuses on filling a void or disparity, often implying a connection where there was none.

narrow the gap between

Emphasizes reducing the extent of the difference, rather than completely eliminating it.

reduce the disparity between

Highlights the inequality or imbalance that exists and the effort to lessen it.

build bridges between

A more metaphorical way of saying 'connect disparate entities', implying effort and construction.

foster unity between

Shifts the focus to creating a sense of togetherness and shared purpose.

promote understanding between

Highlights improving communication and empathy to overcome differences.

reconcile differences between

Implies addressing conflicts or disagreements to restore harmony.

harmonize relations between

Focuses on creating a pleasing or agreeable relationship, especially in formal contexts.

connect the dots between

Emphasizes revealing underlying connections or relationships that were previously unclear.

integrate disparate elements

Highlights combining separate things into a unified whole, often in a technical or systemic context.

FAQs

How can I use "close the divide between" in a sentence?

You can use "close the divide between" to describe actions that reduce differences or inequalities, such as "The new program aims to "close the divide between" rich and poor students".

What are some alternatives to "close the divide between"?

Alternatives include "bridge the gap between", "narrow the gap between", or "reduce the disparity between", each with slightly different nuances.

Is it always appropriate to use "close the divide between"?

While grammatically correct, "close the divide between" is most appropriate when there is a clear intention and action being taken to reduce an existing separation or inequality. If the divide cannot be completely eliminated, phrases like "narrow the gap between" may be more fitting.

What's the difference between "close the divide between" and "build bridges between"?

"Close the divide between" suggests reducing an existing separation, while "build bridges between" implies creating new connections where they didn't previously exist, though both aim for improved relations.