divide us

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "divide us" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing separation, conflict, or differences between groups or individuals. Example: "The differing opinions on the issue began to divide us, creating tension within the group."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Politics can sometimes divide us.

Independent

Nobody can divide us.

The New York Times

Teacher strikes divide us.

The Guardian

Not to further divide us.

The Guardian

We will not let this divide us".

The New York Times

"Our differences will not divide us".

The New York Times

They do divide us as Democrats.

The New York Times

We cannot let them divide us.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was always divide us and conquer".

The New York Times

Where you seek to divide us, we will stand united.

Independent

That's the thing about tires: they divide us.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "divide us", consider the specific type of division you want to emphasize – is it physical separation, emotional distance, or ideological conflict? Choose synonyms or related phrases that accurately reflect the intended nuance.

Common error

Avoid using "divide us" in contexts where a simpler word like "separate" would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily dramatic. Instead, reserve "divide us" for situations involving significant conflict or disagreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "divide us" functions as a verb phrase, where "divide" is a transitive verb and "us" is the direct object. It describes the action of causing separation or disagreement among a group of people. As seen in Ludwig, it frequently appears in contexts discussing politics, social issues, and conflict.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "divide us" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as validated by Ludwig AI. It typically appears in neutral to formal contexts, particularly within news and media, to denote actions or factors causing separation and disagreement among individuals or groups. Its primary function is to highlight potential sources of conflict and emphasize the importance of unity. While "divide us" is versatile, considering related phrases like ""separate us"" or ""split us apart"" can enhance clarity and precision in your writing. Remember to use "divide us" judiciously, reserving it for contexts where a significant sense of conflict or separation is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

separate us

This alternative focuses on the act of causing a physical or emotional distance.

split us apart

Emphasizes a more forceful and complete separation.

drive a wedge between us

Implies introducing conflict that disrupts a previously harmonious relationship.

create disunity among us

Highlights the result of division, focusing on the lack of unity.

foster discord between us

Suggests actively encouraging disagreement and conflict.

alienate us from each other

Focuses on making individuals feel isolated and estranged.

rupture our relations

Indicates a sudden and dramatic break in a relationship.

break us up

A more colloquial way of expressing separation, often used in personal relationships.

set us against each other

Highlights the act of causing conflict or opposition between individuals or groups.

cause friction between us

Implies generating minor conflict and disagreements.

FAQs

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

You can use "divide us" to describe situations where something causes separation or disagreement among people. For example, "Politics can sometimes "divide us"" or "They will seek to "divide us" rather than unite us".

What's a good alternative to "divide us"?

Alternatives include "separate us", "split us apart", or "drive a wedge between us". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "divide us" or "separate us"?

Both "divide us" and "separate us" are grammatically correct, but they carry slightly different connotations. "Divide us" often implies a deeper sense of conflict or discord, while "separate us" simply means to keep apart. Choose the phrase that best reflects the intended meaning.

How does "divide us" differ from "unite us"?

"Divide us" describes actions or factors that cause separation and disagreement, while "unite us" refers to those that bring people together in agreement and harmony. They are antonyms, representing opposite effects on a group or community.