divisive factor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "divisive factor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an element or issue that causes division or disagreement among people or groups. Example: "The new policy was seen as a divisive factor within the community, leading to heated debates and protests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The gravest divisive factor in French society was religion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What was once a connecting tissue for the nation is now very much a divisive factor.

The Guardian - Sport

"Rather than calming the waters and setting on a new course that embraced all factions, Ned himself became a divisive factor".

The New York Times - Arts

Most importantly though, David identified the core of truth behind all religions as a unifying rather than divisive factor, and saw a common tonality as an apt metaphor.

The Guardian - Music

Yet the bill damaged the presidential chances of John McCain, a Republican senator who supports reform.Immigration is likely to prove a divisive factor in some states in the 2008 presidential election.

The Economist

With Malema at the forefront, the ANC's youth league was certainly the country's most divisive factor".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

This polarizing conflict is identity-related with ethnicity and religion as deeply divisive factors.

The Guardian - Opinion

The authors believe the change is also being wrought by other, less divisive factors, including more sustainable government forestry practices.

Independent

Religion ranks as one of the most divisive factors in the world today.

Huffington Post

Chief among those is the centuries-old schism of the Sunni and Shiite branches of Islam, though other divisive factors have come to the fore in a week of stunning gains for the fighters of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS.

Los Angeles Times

But the suits, by consensus and an abundance of evidence, have still been too big and divisive a factor.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "divisive factor", ensure the context clearly identifies what is being divided and who or what is affected by the division. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "divisive factor" repeatedly in highly emotional or biased writing. Overuse can make your writing seem sensationalist or lacking in nuanced analysis. Consider alternatives like "contentious issue" or "source of conflict" to provide a more balanced perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "divisive factor" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "divisive" modifies the noun "factor". It identifies a specific element or aspect that causes disagreement or separation. Examples in Ludwig show it describing various social, political and even scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "divisive factor" serves to identify an element or issue that causes disagreement or separation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. While not extremely common, it appears across diverse contexts like news, science and encyclopedias. When writing, ensure the context clearly shows what is being divided. Alternatives such as "contentious issue" or "polarizing element" can provide nuance. Avoid overuse in emotionally charged situations to maintain an objective tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contentious issue

Focuses on the controversial nature of the subject matter rather than its effect.

polarizing element

Highlights the tendency to create opposing groups or opinions.

bone of contention

Emphasizes the source of the argument or disagreement.

source of conflict

Directly states the phrase's role in creating conflict.

point of division

Focuses on the specific aspect that causes a split.

wedge issue

Highlights the use of an issue to split apart a voting bloc.

matter of discord

Emphasizes the disharmony and lack of agreement surrounding the factor.

stumbling block

Focuses on the way an issue prevents progress or agreement.

cause for friction

Highlights the tension and animosity created by the issue.

area of disagreement

Simplifies the concept to a basic lack of consensus.

FAQs

What does "divisive factor" mean?

A "divisive factor" is an issue, element, or circumstance that causes significant disagreement, separation, or conflict among people or groups.

How can I use "divisive factor" in a sentence?

You can use "divisive factor" to describe something that causes a split or disagreement. For example: "Religion can be a "divisive factor" in politics".

What are some alternatives to "divisive factor"?

Some alternatives to "divisive factor" include "contentious issue", "polarizing element", or "source of conflict". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "divisive issue" or "divisive factor"?

Both "divisive issue" and "divisive factor" are correct and generally interchangeable. "Divisive issue" might be slightly more common in general conversation, while "divisive factor" may be preferred in more formal or analytical contexts.