divide along

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "divide along" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to a physical object or group of people being divided into two. For example: "The students were instructed to divide along gender lines and form two lines facing each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Attitudes to the protest tend to divide along cultural grounds.

The Economist

Nor did the European Parliament divide along national lines.

The Economist

The commissioners themselves could divide along ethnic lines.

The New York Times

Among Iranian-Americans, opinions tend to divide along generational lines.

The New York Times

Would the Iraqi government find its way, or would the country divide along sectarian lines?

The Washington Post

In Congress, reaction to the plan seemed to divide along party lines.

The New York Times

It is hard to find an auto-safety controversy that does not divide along these lines.

The New Yorker

And while opinions about pesticides do not divide along age lines, there are some subtle distinctions.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The divide - along religious lines - resulted in more than 14 million people being forced to move.

Independent

Shoppers looking for deals on the holiday also divide along income lines.

HuffPost

It was proposed that cells tend to divide along their long axis, which is called "the long-axis rule" or "Hertwig rule" (Hertwig, 1884).

Biology Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "divide along", ensure the criteria for division is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The team members will divide along skill lines to tackle the different project components."

Common error

Avoid using "divide along" without specifying the basis for the division. Saying "The group will divide along" is vague; instead, specify "The group will divide along age lines".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "divide along" functions as a verb phrase indicating a separation or differentiation based on a specified criterion. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it commonly connects a subject (e.g., opinions, countries) to a dividing factor (e.g., party lines, ethnic lines).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "divide along" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that signifies separation or differentiation based on specific criteria. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage in various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, science, and encyclopedias. When using "divide along", it's crucial to clearly state the criteria for division. Alternatives like "split along", "separate along", and "differentiate along" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The authoritative sources and high expert rating highlight the reliability and widespread acceptance of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

split along

Indicates a separation, often physical, but can also be used metaphorically to denote disagreement or diverging opinions.

separate along

Emphasizes a distinct demarcation or boundary, implying a more formal or structured division.

differentiate along

Focuses on the distinguishing characteristics that cause a division, highlighting the reasons for the separation.

diverge along

Suggests a branching out or moving in different directions, often used to describe opinions or paths.

cleave along

Implies a sharp and decisive split, often along a natural or predetermined line.

segment along

Refers to the act of breaking something or someone into different pieces.

fracture along

Highlights a break or rupture, suggesting a more forceful or disruptive division.

partition along

Implies dividing something into smaller distinct parts or sections.

break along

Suggests breaking apart or fracturing in certain way, shape or form.

demarcate along

Highlights a clear boundary along something to show its limits.

FAQs

How can I use "divide along" in a sentence?

You can use "divide along" to indicate a separation based on certain criteria, such as "Opinions on the new policy "divide along" party lines".

What does it mean when opinions "divide along" party lines?

When opinions "divide along" party lines, it means that people's views on a particular issue are strongly correlated with their political party affiliation.

What is a good alternative to "divide along"?

Alternatives to "divide along" include phrases like "split along", "separate along", or "differentiate along", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "divided along" instead of "divide along"?

Yes, "divided along" is the past tense form of the phrase and is correct when referring to a past event or situation. For example, "The country was "divided along" ethnic lines after the war".