crosses the divide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crosses the divide" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe overcoming a barrier or difference between two groups, ideas, or situations. Example: "The new policy crosses the divide between management and employees, fostering better communication and collaboration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It crosses the divide and is a transnational link.

The New York Times

Yet, as Bruno finally crosses the divide that segregates them, their friendship results in devastating consequences.

The Guardian

Yet, as Bruno finally crosses the divide that segregates them, their friendship results in devastating and heartbreaking consequences.

The Guardian

You might assume that, once a theatergoer crosses the divide between his seat and the stage, the illusion so carefully fostered by the actors would dissolve.

The New York Times

A highly popular activity is driving up Trail Ridge Road, which crosses the divide above 12,000 feet and affords panoramic vistas.

Britannica

Speaking after a performance, Baron-Cohen suggesthatthat while the show was "very true" to the science of synaesthesia, in contrast to the rather dry academic journals he usually writes for, "Theatre crosses the divide between art and science, to communicate the astonishment of the brain, the mind, through imagination".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The man gets himself a bottle of beer; the older woman heads with dishes from the sink toward the cupboard — and crosses the dividing line of the triptych exactly like crossing a threshold.

The New Yorker

Eto'o has crossed the divide.

The New York Times - Sports

Few manage to cross the divide successfully.

The New York Times

In 1941, at the age of twenty-six, DiMaggio crossed the divide from star to icon.

The New Yorker

Where do you get the courage to cross the divide and get to know another person?

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "crosses the divide" to emphasize overcoming significant differences or barriers between distinct entities, ideas, or groups. It's particularly effective when highlighting a unifying action or element.

Common error

Avoid using "crosses the divide" for minor or insignificant connections. Reserve it for situations where there's a genuine and substantial gap being bridged.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crosses the divide" functions as a verb phrase, typically used within a clause to describe an action of overcoming a barrier or difference. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "crosses the divide" is a grammatically sound and correct expression used to describe overcoming a barrier or difference. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English. While not extremely frequent, it appears most commonly in news and media contexts, highlighting its suitability for objective reporting. Related phrases include "bridges the gap" and "spans the chasm". When using this phrase, reserve it for instances where a significant division is being bridged to avoid overuse in trivial situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bridges the gap

Implies a connection is made where there was a separation.

spans the chasm

Suggests overcoming a significant difference or separation.

overcomes the barrier

Directly states the act of conquering an obstacle.

transcends the boundary

Indicates rising above or beyond a limit.

leaps over the divide

Emphasizes a quick or significant move past a separation.

connects disparate elements

Highlights the act of bringing different things together.

unifies opposing sides

Focuses on bringing conflicting groups into agreement.

reaches across the aisle

Primarily used in a political context to mean working with the opposing party.

moves beyond differences

Highlights the act of progressing despite disagreements.

breaks down walls

Implies destroying an obstacle preventing progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "crosses the divide" to describe how something overcomes a barrier or difference, such as "This initiative "bridges the gap" between different departments in the company".

What are some alternatives to "crosses the divide"?

Alternatives to "crosses the divide" include "bridges the gap", "spans the chasm", or "overcomes the barrier", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "crosses the divide" or "bridges the gap"?

Whether to use "crosses the divide" or "bridges the gap" depends on the specific context. "Crosses the divide" suggests overcoming a more significant separation, while "bridges the gap" implies a connection is being made where there was a separation.

What does it mean when something "crosses the divide"?

When something "crosses the divide", it means it overcomes a barrier or difference, often uniting two separate entities, ideas, or groups. It signifies a connection or reconciliation where there was previously a separation.