deepening the divide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deepening the divide" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where differences or conflicts between groups or individuals are becoming more pronounced or severe. Example: "The recent policy changes are deepening the divide between the two communities, making it harder for them to find common ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

In November, the group decided to split their rations, deepening the divide between the two factions.

The New Yorker

The ban served Putin's propaganda purposes, deepening the divide between the vast majority of patriotic Russians and the tiny minority of effete Westernizers.

The New Yorker

A year later, Hamas routed the pro-Abbas forces in Gaza, limiting the influence of the Fatah-dominated Palestinian Authority to the West Bank and deepening the divide.

The New York Times

With the increased Israeli presence came the familiar exchanges of low-grade violence that are deepening the divide between the two populations.

The New York Times

Folks like you, who have a cultural aversion to guns, who want to stick it to the gun guys... JOE [interrupts]: I find it astonishing that you say we're deepening the divide but the N.R.A.... DAN: Oh, they are, too!

The New York Times

Philip Potter of the University of Michigan argues that in the long run, Chinese leaders "have painted themselves into a corner", deepening the divide between themselves and the Uighurs they govern.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The violence is leading nowhere; just deepening the divides and the suffering.

The Guardian

Anything prone to deepen the divide in the Conservative party has to be parked until after the 23 June EU referendum.

The Guardian - Opinion

That violence, together with Israel's treatment of the Palestinians, has deepened the divide between Jewish and Arab citizens here.

The New York Times

This political structure has deepened the divide in Thailand between those who have and those who do not, he said.

The New York Times

Mr. Chávez mined and deepened the divide between the masses of Venezuela's poor and the middle and upper classes, presiding over a bitterly divided country.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "deepening the divide", ensure the context clearly identifies the groups or entities between which the separation is increasing. Specificity enhances the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "deepening the divide" in trivial situations. Reserve it for significant disagreements or separations to maintain its impact and avoid hyperbole.

Linguistic Context

"Deepening the divide" functions as a verb phrase, typically used within a clause to describe an action that is intensifying a separation or disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "deepening the divide" effectively conveys an increasing separation or disagreement between groups. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to highlight escalating conflicts or worsening relations. Alternatives such as "widening the gap" or "exacerbating tensions" may offer nuanced expressions for specific situations. When using the phrase, ensure clarity about the entities involved and avoid employing it in trivial scenarios to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widening the gap

Focuses on the increasing distance or disparity between groups.

exacerbating tensions

Highlights the intensification of existing strained relationships or conflicts.

increasing polarization

Emphasizes the growing separation into opposing groups or viewpoints.

heightening divisions

Stresses the amplification of existing differences or separations.

fostering discord

Indicates the promotion or encouragement of disagreement and conflict.

intensifying conflict

Focuses on the escalation of active conflict or disagreement.

aggravating differences

Highlights the worsening of existing dissimilarities or disagreements.

sharpening distinctions

Emphasizes the clarification and strengthening of differences between groups.

fueling antagonism

Suggests the addition of elements that intensify hostility or opposition.

promoting alienation

Focuses on the increase of estrangement or separation between individuals or groups.

FAQs

What does "deepening the divide" mean?

The phrase "deepening the divide" refers to a situation where the differences, disagreements, or separation between two or more groups or individuals are becoming more pronounced or severe.

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

You can use it to describe situations where conflicts are escalating. For example, "The new regulations are "deepening the divide" between the government and its citizens."

What are some alternatives to "deepening the divide"?

Alternatives include "widening the gap", "exacerbating tensions", or "increasing polarization". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "deepening the divide" a formal or informal expression?

It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's often found in news reporting and analytical writing. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding language than the phrase itself.