narrowing the divide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "narrowing the divide" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing efforts to reduce differences or gaps between groups, ideas, or situations. Example: "The organization is focused on narrowing the divide between urban and rural education resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

More important, when it comes to determining the best use of international aid, money given to narrowing the divide might be better spent elsewhere.

The Economist

The Lilly forum succeeded in narrowing the divide between life and work, black and white, silence and innovation.

Huffington Post

Dallas is a conspiracy theorist whose bread and butter is narrowing the divide between news and entertainment sadly familiar in the era of fake news.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

After hip-hop impresarios narrowed the divide between popular music and blatant hucksterism, other popular musicians followed suit.

The New York Times

Many Democrats now concede that their immediate goal is far less ambitious: to narrow the divide so they have a better chance of recapturing the House in 2006.

The New York Times

Many Democrats now concede that their immediate goal is to narrow the divide so they have a better chance of recapturing the House in 2006.

The New York Times

In the past, religion and biology have usually been in sharp conflict, but in recent years scientists of faith have sought to narrow the divide.

The New Yorker

Or it can involve making labour markets more flexible (Spain is trying to narrow the divide between well-protected permanent staff and lightly protected temporary ones).

The Economist

Britain now has the most extreme inter-regional inequalities of any country in western Europe, yet the biggest concentration of political power in a centre that is singularly ill equipped to narrow the divide.

The Guardian - Opinion

While such rhetoric is hardly out of character, it showed how the talks had failed to narrow the divide between Iran and the six world powers that are demanding curbs in its nuclear program.

The New York Times

Whatever one thinks of recent attempts to narrow the divide between academic and vocational qualifications, this document at least openly states the widespread preference for the former in "top" universities: "It is extremely important that you are aware that for several university courses … vocational qualifications are not considered to be suitable".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "narrowing the divide", ensure that the context clearly defines the specific divide being addressed (e.g., economic, social, political).

Common error

Avoid using "narrowing the divide" as a blanket solution for intricate societal issues. Acknowledge the multifaceted nature of divides and propose specific, targeted actions rather than vague generalizations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "narrowing the divide" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as the subject of a sentence or part of a longer noun phrase. Ludwig AI highlights its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "narrowing the divide" is a grammatically correct gerund phrase used to describe the act of reducing differences or inequalities. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. Alternatives include "bridging the gap" and "closing the gap". When employing this phrase, clarity is paramount, ensuring the specific divide in question is well-defined. Be mindful of oversimplifying complex issues when advocating for change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bridging the gap

Focuses on connecting two separate entities, implying a more active role in uniting them.

closing the gap

Emphasizes the reduction of a measurable difference or inequality between two groups or concepts.

reducing disparities

Specifically targets the decrease of inequalities, particularly in areas like wealth, health, or opportunity.

lessening the disparity

Similar to 'reducing disparities', it focuses on diminishing inequalities but with a slightly different word choice.

minimizing differences

Aims to make distinctions less noticeable or significant, often used in contexts where complete elimination isn't possible.

reconciling differences

Suggests an effort to bring opposing viewpoints or groups into agreement or harmony.

fostering convergence

Implies encouraging a gradual movement towards a common point or goal.

promoting inclusivity

Highlights the act of making spaces or opportunities more accessible and welcoming to diverse groups.

building consensus

Focuses on creating a shared understanding or agreement among different parties.

harmonizing relations

Emphasizes the creation of peaceful and cooperative interactions between groups or entities.

FAQs

How can I use "narrowing the divide" in a sentence?

You can use "narrowing the divide" to describe efforts to reduce gaps or inequalities between groups. For example, "The new policy aims at narrowing the divide between the rich and the poor."

What are some alternatives to "narrowing the divide"?

Alternatives include "bridging the gap", "closing the gap", or "reducing disparities". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Which is correct: "narrowing the divide" or "widening the divide"?

"Narrowing the divide" and "widening the divide" are both correct, but they have opposite meanings. "Narrowing the divide" means reducing a gap, while "widening the divide" means increasing it.

What's the difference between "narrowing the divide" and "closing the gap"?

While similar, "narrowing the divide" often refers to reducing broader, more abstract differences (e.g., ideological or social), whereas "closing the gap" is frequently used for measurable inequalities (e.g., income or achievement).