stoke division

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stoke division" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to actions or rhetoric that incite conflict or disagreement among groups or individuals. Example: "The politician's speech seemed designed to stoke division among the electorate, rather than promote unity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

After all, it is easy to walk up to this podium and to point fingers and stoke division.

The Guardian

What's fascinating is the way the show equates the children's fairytales with the tales that adults tell about the real world; the stories that keep us apart and stoke division.

The Guardian

One significant moment came in the 60s with the move towards comprehensive education, but although the 11-plus was phased out in most parts of the country, more subtle forms of selection have continued to stoke division.

The Guardian

Labour and the Liberal Democrats said pursuing the two parallel sets of demands was a clear attempt by the SNP to "stoke division and grievance" after Stewart Hosie, the SNP deputy leader, suggested that their rejection could lead to further demands for a second independence referendum.

The Guardian

"Spreading fear in this way is an age-old racist tool designed to stoke division about the latest group of immigrants arriving in Britain," they wrote, arguing that the reference to a bomb suggested an indiscriminate act with scant regard for the impact on race relations.

The Guardian

"The SNP is not Scotland and Scotland is not the SNP," she warned, describing nationalist tactics as "cheap, dirty politics" designed to "stoke division" and "annoy the rest of the country into pushing Scotland towards the exit".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

At times of crisis, a president can cool passions or inflame them, stoke divisions or try to bridge them.

The Guardian - Opinion

He also said restrictions on the press and social media were "necessary" because they had been used to stoke divisions in the past.

The Guardian

Parents are being urged to boycott requests to disclose their child's nationality and country of birth over fears it could turn teachers into de facto border guards and stoke divisions in the classroom.

The Guardian

But as the exchanges intensified, one of the candidates, Newt Gingrich, the former House speaker, chastised the moderators of the debate, from NBC and Politico, and said they were trying to stoke divisions among Republicans in a way he said would help Mr. Obama.

The New York Times

The concern is that Facebook may be incentivizing political candidates and bad actors trying to interfere with elections to polarize society by making more efficient ads that stoke divisions.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stoke division", consider the specific type of division you are describing (e.g., political, social, religious) to provide more context and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "stoke division" when describing simple disagreements or debates. This phrase is best reserved for situations where there is a deliberate attempt to create significant conflict or animosity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stoke division" functions as a verb phrase, often used transitively, to describe the action of inciting or intensifying conflict. Ludwig confirms its usability, and it appears in contexts describing deliberate actions to worsen disagreements.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stoke division" describes the act of inciting or exacerbating conflict, primarily in the context of news and media. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While grammatically sound, it's important to use it appropriately, reserving it for situations involving deliberate attempts to create significant animosity. Alternatives like "incite discord" or "inflame tensions" can offer nuanced alternatives, depending on the intended meaning. Understanding its function, purpose, and register ensures effective communication when discussing sensitive topics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incite discord

Focuses on initiating disagreement or disharmony.

foment conflict

Highlights the active encouragement of struggle or opposition.

inflame tensions

Emphasizes intensifying existing strained relationships.

exacerbate divisions

Implies making existing separations or disagreements worse.

stir up animosity

Focuses on arousing strong dislike or hostility.

fuel antagonism

Highlights the act of providing impetus to active opposition or hatred.

promote disunity

Emphasizes actions that encourage a lack of harmony or agreement.

provoke infighting

Focuses on causing conflict within a group.

deepen divides

Highlights intensifying the separation between groups.

spark controversy

Emphasizes initiating public disagreement or debate.

FAQs

What does "stoke division" mean?

The phrase "stoke division" means to incite or encourage conflict, disagreement, or animosity between people or groups. It implies a deliberate action to worsen existing tensions or create new ones.

How can I use "stoke division" in a sentence?

You might say, "The politician's rhetoric seemed designed to "stoke division" among voters" or "The media was accused of "stoking division" with its biased reporting."

What are some alternatives to "stoke division"?

You can use alternatives like "incite discord", "foment conflict", or "inflame tensions" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "stoke division" a formal or informal expression?

"Stoke division" is suitable for neutral to formal contexts, particularly when discussing political or social issues in news media or analytical writing. More informal settings might use simpler terms like "stir up trouble."