divide from one another

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "divide from one another" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used in contexts discussing separation or distinction between entities or groups, but it is not the most natural phrasing. Example: "In order to understand the different perspectives, we must divide from one another and analyze each viewpoint separately."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"It goes right to the heart of our divide from one another.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But in the world of this novel, whose characters yearn for connection only to be thwarted, it might refer to any of them — divided from one another, somehow always set at a distance.

The New York Times - Books

A house: a structural arrangement of space, geometrically laid out to provide what are called rooms, these divided from one another by verticals and horizontals called walls, ceilings, floors.

The New Yorker

They are divided from one another by a narrow and shallow syncline, which is without any tectonic complication.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

We inferred that multiple sequences in the M. falcata assembly may divide from one single protein-coding transcript.

BMC Genomics

John lived his life as a man of tolerance; he hated using religion to divide people from one another.

The New York Times

It has become, for some people in some ways, a more brittle expression of national sentiment -- a blind statement of faith that does more to divide Americans from one another than to join them together.

The New York Times

Ironically, what Farage has in common with the Muslim extremists who do exist is that each seeks to divide Britons from one another, by virtue of faith and identity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Addressing a crowd of 10,000, Obama added: "He reminded us that at this defining moment we don't have the luxury of relying on the same political games, the same political tactics that have been used in so many elections to divide us from one another and make us afraid of one another".

The Guardian

The Other Side, written by Jacqueline Woodson (E. B. Lewis, illustrator) is about two little girls, one Black and one White, who decide to sit together on a fence that divides them from one another.

Huffington Post

Today, our common fears continue to bind people together as one while the isolating nature of shame persists in dividing us from one another, turning us into such strangers that we can hardly recognize our own reflections in the mirror.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more common and direct alternatives like "separate from each other" or "distinguish themselves" for improved clarity and readability. The phrase "divide from one another" can sound somewhat formal or archaic in contemporary writing.

Common error

Avoid using "divide from one another" in informal contexts. Its formality might sound out of place in casual conversations or less formal writing; opt for simpler synonyms.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "divide from one another" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of causing separation or disunity between entities. As Ludwig AI suggests, it isn't the most natural phrasing, and simpler alternatives may be more effective.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "divide from one another" describes the action of causing separation or disunity. While grammatically sound, it's not as common as alternatives like "separate from each other" or "distinguish themselves", as suggested by Ludwig. Its formality makes it less suitable for casual contexts. Ludwig's analysis shows the phrase appears in news, science, and formal business contexts, but simpler options often provide greater clarity. Therefore, while acceptable, consider context and audience when using "divide from one another".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

separate from each other

Focuses on the act of becoming physically or conceptually distinct; slightly broader in application.

distinguish themselves from each other

Emphasizes active differentiation and highlighting unique qualities.

split apart

Implies a forceful or sudden separation; more dramatic and less formal.

become estranged

Specifically suggests a breakdown in relationships or affection.

drift apart

Implies a gradual separation over time, often due to changing circumstances.

decouple from each other

Suggests a formal or structural separation, often used in technical or economic contexts.

diverge from one another

Highlights differences in direction or opinion; more abstract.

sunder from each other

A more archaic and forceful term for separation, implying a violent or permanent split.

cleave apart

Similar to 'sunder,' but emphasizes the act of splitting or dividing.

break ranks

Suggests a separation from a group or established order, often due to disagreement.

FAQs

What does "divide from one another" mean?

The phrase "divide from one another" means to separate or cause a distinction between people or things. It suggests a force or factor that causes disunity or a lack of connection. Consider alternatives like "separate from each other" or "distinguish themselves".

How can I use "divide from one another" in a sentence?

You can use "divide from one another" to describe situations where something causes separation or disunity. For example, "Political ideologies can often divide people from one another." However, simpler alternatives like "separate people" are often clearer.

What are some alternatives to "divide from one another"?

Some alternatives to "divide from one another" include "separate from each other", "distinguish themselves", "become estranged", or "drift apart". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "divide from one another" a common phrase?

The phrase "divide from one another" is not as common as simpler alternatives like "separate" or "distinguish". While grammatically correct, it may sound somewhat formal or archaic. Using more common phrases can improve clarity and readability.