span the divide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "span the divide" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of bridging a gap or connecting two different groups, ideas, or concepts. Example: "The new initiative aims to span the divide between urban and rural communities, fostering better communication and collaboration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

They contend that the project, with an estimated cost of $100 million, is intended to span the divide between Muslim and non-Muslim, not widen it.

The New York Times

Redemption of printable coupons, which span the divide between old-fashioned paper coupons and newer digital versions, grew 308percentt in the first half of this year, from a small base.

The New York Times

Yet Museo Gucci does, in its way, span the divide between the divine art of a gilded age and the commerce — often stylish and finely crafted — on Florence's narrow streets.

The New York Times

If he was going to succeed, he felt he would have to do it physically; it was as if he believed he could stretch himself to span the divide between the two worlds.

The New York Times - Magazine

Now the mayor of the so-called City of Bridges has a plan to span the divide between the mostly white, rural Pennsylvania voters who handed the state to President Donald Trump last November, and the ethnically diverse enclave of Pittsburgh, which voted overwhelmingly for Hillary Clinton.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The result: a successful research career in nanophotonics that spans the divide between academia and industry.

Science Magazine

The bridge spanning the divided American culture is supposed to be jazz, of which there is no shortage in the exhibition's air.

The Guardian - Books

It also offers free Internet access, a feature the party says is intended to "help span the digital divide".

The New York Times

Arctic Monkeys managed to span the digital divide, proving to be the most streamed act as well as the biggest seller on vinyl with their album AM.

The Guardian

The ever-popular singer-songwriter, whose songs about working-class life in his native New Jersey span the political divide, will appear next week at an Obama campaign event.

The Guardian

Here, as on the record, she'll showcase musicians who span the stylistic divide, like the saxophonist Ron Blake, the drummer Chris Dave, and the keyboardist Michael Cain. 9 and 11 p.m., Birdland, 315 West 44th Street, (212 581-3080, cover, $40, plus a $10 minimum.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "span the divide" when you want to emphasize an effort to connect two distinct and often opposing groups, ideas, or concepts. It suggests a proactive approach to bridging differences.

Common error

Avoid using "span the divide" in contexts where a simple connection or overlap is sufficient. This phrase carries a connotation of bridging significant differences, so using it for minor connections can sound exaggerated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "span the divide" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating an action aimed at bridging a gap or difference. It frequently appears in contexts where there's an intention to connect disparate entities, as noted by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "span the divide" is a grammatically sound and contextually rich expression used to convey the act of bridging significant differences or connecting disparate entities. Though less frequent than alternatives like "bridge the gap", it effectively communicates the intention of reconciliation across various domains, including news, politics, and science. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is usable in English, and its application often suggests a proactive approach to connecting distinct groups or ideas. When employing this phrase, ensure the context warrants the emphasis on bridging significant differences to avoid sounding exaggerated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bridge the gap

Emphasizes reducing the distance or difference between two things.

close the divide

Focuses on eliminating the separation or disagreement.

build a bridge

Emphasizes creating a structure for connection and understanding.

overcome the differences

Highlights the act of surpassing disagreements or variances.

reconcile the disparities

Stresses bringing harmony to conflicting elements.

connect the extremes

Implies linking opposing ends or viewpoints.

unify the factions

Concentrates on bringing together opposing groups.

harmonize the differences

Suggests creating a pleasing agreement among varying elements.

link the opposing sides

Focuses on creating a connection between two contrasting groups.

mediate the conflict

Highlights the intervention to resolve a dispute.

FAQs

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

You can use "span the divide" to describe efforts to connect different groups, ideas, or concepts. For example, "The project aims to "span the divide" between generations through mentorship programs".

What are some alternatives to "span the divide"?

Alternatives include "bridge the gap", "close the divide", or "overcome the differences", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "span the divide" or "bridge the divide"?

Both "span the divide" and "bridge the divide" are acceptable, but "bridge the divide" ("bridge the divide") is more common. "Span the divide" might suggest a more comprehensive or ambitious effort.

What does it mean to "span the divide" in a political context?

In politics, "span the divide" refers to efforts to connect opposing political viewpoints or parties, aiming for compromise or collaboration. For example, "The politician sought to "span the divide" between liberals and conservatives on the issue".