that may divide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that may divide" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that has the potential to create a division or separation, whether in opinions, groups, or ideas. Example: "The new policy is controversial and that may divide the community into opposing factions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

This is our best weapon - we must show our determination against anything that may divide us.

Independent

This lesson in advanced political theory left me wondering at the deep emotions that may divide Britons on Brexit.

The Guardian - Opinion

These quadrants could be based on existing counties or on geographic features that may divide the land, such as rivers or mountain ranges.

The New York Times

SCIENCE TIMES, PAGE F1 Islam an Issue for Cardinals When cardinals meet to elect a new pope, one question that may divide them is whether to regard Islam as a rival and a threat or as a partner for dialogue.

The New York Times

The great American debate about what to do about Iran's nuclear capacity — a debate that may divide Americans from Europeans more than Iraq — could well return with a vengeance before next year.

The New York Times

The justices met Friday to consider for a third time appeals in two Planned Parenthood cases and several others that may divide the court along ideological lines.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Turning a critical eye on the turbulent history that bound the two nations together, Kaplan unearths the roots of present controversies that may well divide them in the future.

Harvard University

For instance, the overarching category of "the people" is often constructed through a narrative of shared victimhood that glosses over various cleavages that may otherwise divide the target population, while the elites are frequently portrayed as having been co-opted by various disparaged out-groups (e.g., immigrants or ethnic and religious minorities).

Harvard University

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said the announcements amounted to "rhetoric that may well divide communities and make our job of working with those communities to find and isolate terrorists and potential terrorists that much harder".

BBC

The material from Sabah also amply displays the same condition of basically two calyx lobes that may further divide (tear) to give 2, 3, or 4, even 5 lobes.

Botanical Studies

The scope of AUSS is relatively narrow, targeting specific areas that may even divide NRA members from the national leadership.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that may divide", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being divided, whether it's opinions, groups, or physical entities. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence.

Common error

Avoid using "that may divide" in overly simple sentences where a more direct verb like "splits" or "separates" would be more impactful. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that may divide" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun or pronoun by describing a potential consequence or characteristic. It indicates a possibility or risk associated with the modified element, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

29%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that may divide" is a versatile phrase used to introduce the potential for separation or disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and its prevalence across different contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Academia. While grammatically sound and widely understood, it is important to consider the context to ensure the phrase effectively conveys the intended nuance of possibility and potential division. Consider alternatives like "which could separate" or "that might split" to add precision. Avoid overuse in simple sentences for a more impactful writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which could separate

Emphasizes the potential for physical or conceptual separation.

that might split

Highlights the possibility of a group or entity breaking into distinct parts.

that could polarize

Focuses on the potential to create opposing viewpoints or factions.

which might alienate

Indicates the risk of causing someone to feel isolated or estranged.

that threatens to disunite

Stresses the danger of breaking apart a previously unified entity.

what can cause discord

Highlights the possibility of creating disagreement and disharmony.

that risks fracturing

Emphasizes the danger of creating cracks and breaks within a group or structure.

which has the potential to estrange

Highlights the potential to create estrangement between people.

that is liable to cleave

Suggests a strong tendency to split or separate.

what is likely to cause friction

Focuses on the likelihood of generating conflict and tension.

FAQs

How can I use "that may divide" in a sentence?

Use "that may divide" to describe something with the potential to cause separation or disagreement. For example, "The proposed policy is controversial and "that may divide" the community".

What are some alternatives to "that may divide"?

You can use alternatives such as "which could separate", "that might split", or "that could polarize" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "that may divide" or "that will divide"?

"That may divide" suggests a possibility, while "that will divide" implies a certainty. Use ""that may divide"" when the division is not yet guaranteed.

What's the difference between "that may divide" and "that could divide"?

Both phrases express possibility, but ""that may divide"" often implies a slightly higher degree of uncertainty compared to "that could divide".