rift

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rift" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a serious break or division in a relationship, situation, or concept. Example: "The rift between the two friends grew wider after the argument, making it difficult for them to reconcile."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nikos Kotzias, the new Greek foreign minister, said Greece wanted to "prevent a rift" between Russia and the EU, although both sides have been in acute conflict for the past 10 months over Moscow's assault on Ukraine.

The Guardian

However, a spokesperson for the Department for Communities and Local Government denied any reports of a rift with the Treasury.

The Guardian

Next week Le Pen, 86, will face a disciplinary hearing of the party's executive after a family rift in which Marine Le Pen denounced his inflammatory comments belittling the Holocaust and defended Marshal Pétain, the leader of France's Nazi collaborationist Vichy regime.

The Guardian

But his arrival seems likely to deepen a rift between Libya and the international criminal court (ICC).

The Guardian

"Well, I wouldn't describe it as a rift.

The Guardian

Apple's chief executive, Tim Cook, warned of the "dire consequences" in sacrificing the right to privacy in an impassioned speech on Friday as Barack Obama sought to repair a deep rift with the technology industry.

The Guardian - Tech

In his autobiography, MacGregor dismissed the exchange as "largely a matter of semantics" and played down the seriousness of the rift.

The Guardian

The rift became irreparable, when Anwar — named by Newsweek as man of the year in 1998 — went on a campaign against corruption and cronyism that rankled many of the elite, including Mahathir's son, Mirzan who had myriad business dealings.

The Guardian

Parliament took a historic step towards embracing full equality for gay people when MPs voted on Tuesday overwhelmingly in favour of equal marriage at the end of a charged Commons debate that exposed the deep rift over David Cameron's modernising agenda at the heart of the Conservative party.

The Guardian

People seem keen to create a rift between Kevin and the rest of the team," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

We feel that in the Hindu community the majority are secular and only a handful of mischievous people are trying to create a rift," said Gulzar Ahmed Azmi, of the Jamiat Ulama e Maharashtra, a Muslim political association in the city.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rift", consider the intensity of the division you want to convey. "Rift" suggests a significant and potentially irreparable break. Choose synonyms like "division" or "disagreement" for milder situations.

Common error

Avoid using "rift" to describe minor disagreements or temporary setbacks. The term implies a substantial and often enduring fracture, so using it inappropriately can overstate the severity of a situation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "rift" is as a noun, denoting a break or division, often significant and impactful. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is grammatically sound and versatile, appearing in contexts ranging from personal relationships to geopolitical conflicts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rift" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun that describes a significant break or division. As the Ludwig AI data confirms, it appears frequently in news and media, formal business contexts, and scientific discussions. When using "rift", it's essential to consider the intensity of the separation you wish to convey; it's best reserved for situations involving substantial and potentially lasting fractures. Be mindful of the term's implications and use synonyms like "division" or "disagreement" for milder contexts. Its frequent use in authoritative sources underlines its status as a reliable and effective term for describing divisions across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chasm

Emphasizes a deep and significant divide, often difficult to bridge.

division

Indicates a separation or disagreement, often less severe than a "rift".

split

Implies a separation into distinct parts, either physically or ideologically.

breach

Suggests a violation or breaking of trust or a physical barrier.

falling out

Describes a specific instance of a disagreement that leads to a break in a relationship.

estrangement

Focuses on the emotional distance and alienation between individuals.

rupture

Indicates a sudden and often violent break or tear.

discord

Highlights a lack of harmony or agreement, often in a social context.

severance

Suggests a formal or definitive separation or termination.

cleavage

Highlights a distinct separation or differentiation, often in opinions or beliefs.

FAQs

How to use "rift" in a sentence?

The word "rift" is used to describe a serious break or division. For example: "The argument caused a deep "rift" between them."

What can I say instead of "rift"?

You can use alternatives like "division", "breach", or "split", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "rift" or "schism"?

"Rift" generally refers to any significant break or division, while "schism" specifically describes a split within a religious organization. Using "schism" outside of a religious context would be inappropriate.

What's the difference between "rift" and "disagreement"?

"Disagreement" is a general term for a difference of opinion. A "rift" implies a more profound and damaging separation, often resulting from unresolved disagreements. Therefore, "disagreement" is much less severe than a "rift".