divisive notions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "divisive notions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to ideas or beliefs that create division or disagreement among people. Example: "The debate surrounding the new policy was filled with divisive notions that polarized the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

And such divisive notions as elections?

The Economist

What is needed are not divisive notions of industrial justice that pitch one group of workers against another, but solidarity that stresses the right of all workers, including temporary migrant workers, to decent work.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

From a common aspiration, welfare has been turned into a divisive notion that sets "the poor" apart from the rest of society.

The Guardian - Opinion

The effort to revisit the emotional and politically divisive notion of new gun laws began on a Friday night in December after 20 schoolchildren and 6 adults were gunned down in Newtown, Conn.

The New York Times

That divisive notion is being overcome in the cognitive sciences, so experience should be considered an integral part of usability one cannot have one without the other.

Product Experience

Still, because a lot of us wish that politics were less messy, less divisive, the notion that there is a set of new ideas is bewitching.

The New Yorker

It's a reassuring notion, and less divisive, certainly, than calls for greater gun control or for censoring video games.

The New Yorker

Ahmadinejad's divisive rhetoric thrives on the notion that it would look terribly embarrassing for Obama to negotiate with him.

Huffington Post

What the book may show is that notions that were bitterly divisive several years ago -- diversity, multiculturalism, inclusiveness -- are now so widely accepted as to have become entirely standard.

The New York Times - Books

In Berlin's thinking, they would then be spread fairly and on a permanent basis across the EU, a notion that is extremely divisive and contentious.

The Guardian

Perlstein's compulsively readable study holds that Nixon's divisive and enduring legacy is the "notion that there are two kinds of Americans".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "divisive notions", ensure that the context clearly identifies who is being divided and what the source of the division is. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences with "divisive notions" in a way that obscures who is promoting or affected by these ideas. Use active voice to clearly assign agency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "divisive notions" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "divisive" modifies the noun "notions". It describes ideas or beliefs that cause disagreement and separation. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is considered correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "divisive notions" refers to ideas or beliefs that cause significant disagreement and separation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, although its usage is relatively rare. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, serving to identify and critique ideas that generate conflict. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure you specify who is being divided and the source of the division. Alternatives include "polarizing ideas" and "contentious concepts". While versatile, it's important to avoid passive voice to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

divisive concepts

A simple synonym replacement, maintaining the same structure and meaning.

divisive ideologies

Employs a more formal term "ideologies" instead of "notions".

polarizing ideas

Replaces "divisive" with "polarizing", emphasizing the creation of opposing groups or opinions.

controversial beliefs

Focuses on the belief aspect and replaces "divisive" with "controversial".

contentious concepts

Substitutes both words, highlighting the controversial nature of the ideas.

inflammatory ideas

Highlights the potential of the ideas to provoke strong emotions and conflict.

discordant ideas

Uses "discordant" to emphasize a lack of harmony or agreement.

fractious ideas

Employs "fractious" to suggest the ideas cause irritability and disagreement.

schismatic beliefs

Uses "schismatic" to indicate a tendency to cause division or split within a group.

separative ideologies

Shifts the focus to ideologies that lead to separation.

FAQs

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

You can use "divisive notions" to describe ideas that cause disagreement and separation, for example, "The politician's speech was filled with divisive notions that polarized the audience".

What can I say instead of "divisive notions"?

You can use alternatives like "polarizing ideas", "contentious concepts", or "controversial beliefs depending on the context.

What makes a notion "divisive"?

A notion is "divisive" when it causes significant disagreement and separation among people or groups, often due to conflicting values or interests.

Is "divisive notions" a formal or informal phrase?

"Divisive notions" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more commonly found in news articles and academic discussions.