growing divide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "growing divide" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an increasing gap or difference between two groups, ideas, or situations over time. Example: "The growing divide between the rich and the poor has become a pressing issue in society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This growing divide endangers democracy.

The New York Times

A growing divide separated the raw and the cooked.

The New York Times

Their refusal illuminates a growing divide over the nature of a state government's role.

The New York Times

But Japan now faces new fears of a growing divide between the fax and postfax generations.

The New York Times

The N.R.A. is concerned about the growing divide between men and women over gun control.

The New York Times

But the growing divide is already changing the way people think about the music.

The New York Times - Arts

It would increase the growing divide between the game's rich and poor.

The Guardian - Sport

L.B.J. had countless chances to reach across the growing divide and find common cause with Kennedy.

The New York Times

Today, there's a growing divide between the fortunes of corporate America and those of the majority of Americans.

The New Yorker

The next frontier, frankly, is the faculty, because there's a growing divide in the faculty about issues of free speech.

The New Yorker

The growing divide between a diverse young population and an aging white population raises some potentially tricky policy questions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "growing divide" to describe situations where differences are not just present, but are actively increasing over time. Be specific about what is being divided (e.g., "the growing divide between urban and rural areas").

Common error

Avoid using "growing divide" when the differences are static or shrinking. The phrase implies an active process of separation, not just the existence of a difference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "growing divide" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it used to describe increasing separations in various contexts, highlighting its role in identifying developing disparities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

14%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "growing divide" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an increasing separation or disparity between two or more entities. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase and is frequently used in news media to highlight emerging problems and conflicts. While versatile enough for general writing, it is essential to use this expression when indeed something is widening and not when differences are static or shrinking. Alternatives like "widening gap" or "increasing disparity" offer similar meanings but might be appropriate based on context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widening gap

Focuses on the increasing distance between two points or groups.

increasing disparity

Emphasizes the growing inequality or difference in conditions.

expanding chasm

Implies a large and deepening separation.

escalating divergence

Highlights the growing difference in opinions or paths.

heightening contrast

Stresses the increasing difference in qualities or characteristics.

aggravating division

Focuses on the worsening state of separation.

deepening rift

Indicates a more profound and serious break in relations.

developing polarization

Highlights the increasing separation into opposing groups.

mushrooming divide

Suggests a rapid and expansive increase in separation.

intensifying schism

Emphasizes a stronger and more acute separation.

FAQs

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

You can use "growing divide" to describe an increasing separation between groups, ideas, or situations. For instance, "The "growing divide" between the rich and the poor is a pressing issue".

What can I say instead of "growing divide"?

You can use alternatives like "widening gap", "increasing disparity", or "expanding chasm" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the divide is growing" instead of "growing divide"?

Yes, "the divide is growing" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning. Both phrases indicate an increasing separation or difference. The choice depends on the specific sentence structure and desired emphasis.

What's the difference between "growing divide" and "existing divide"?

"Growing divide" implies that the separation is increasing over time, while "existing divide" simply acknowledges a current separation without specifying its development. The first emphasizes a dynamic process, and the second a static condition.