almost split down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost split down" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where something is nearly divided or torn apart, but it is not a common expression. Example: "The old tree was almost split down the middle after the storm."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

We asked you whether you backed this approach, and you were almost split down the middle: 51% said it was a bad idea.This week we want to know if you support a new US-Canada deal that will see a reduction in trade barriers in exchange for a toughening of security measures.

The Economist

Gender is almost split down the middle with women edging out men in subscription sign-ups.

TechCrunch

"But, when presented with a similar package which does not cost the taxpayer any extra, public opinion is almost split down the middle: 45% say it would be too generous, and 43% say it is about right or not generous enough.

BBC

The Difference Between Fear and Love, Despair and Hope I was saddened and yet motivated with feeling empowered at these responses as they seemed to be almost split down the middle.

Huffington Post

The graduates were almost split down the middle over whether the amount of General Practice was enough or whether it should have been increased despite approximately a third of the doctors saying they had little idea about the relationship between primary and secondary care.

BMC Medical Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Are you somehow split down the middle?

Vice

Curated by Gary Carsley and Paul Howard, the exhibition is almost literally split down the middle.

The Guardian - Arts

The androgynous mormon butterfly is almost evenly split down the middle between its male and female sides, the BBC reported.

Huffington Post

"They almost split the door in two".

The Guardian

When the bike came down it landed on his little finger - which got crushed - and the tank slammed into his testicle and almost split it in two.

The Guardian - Sport

The film itself is almost split into two.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation where opinions or results are very close, consider using "almost split down the middle" to convey a near-equal division. However, be mindful of its informal tone and potential for ambiguity, especially in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "almost split down" in formal or academic writing where a more precise or technical term might be more appropriate. Phrases like "nearly evenly divided" or "almost equally distributed" may be better alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost split down" functions as a descriptive modifier, indicating a state of near division or separation. Ludwig examples show it describing opinions, groups, and even physical objects that are close to being divided.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

15%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "almost split down" describes a state of near division or separation. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig AI suggests that it's not the most common or precise way to express this idea, especially in formal settings. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, and less so in formal or scientific writing. Be mindful of the level of formality when choosing this phrase, and consider alternatives like "nearly divided" or "almost equally distributed" for greater precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly divided

Focuses on the state of being close to a division, rather than the action.

almost completely separated

Emphasizes the completeness of the separation that is only narrowly avoided.

nearly evenly distributed

Highlights an almost equal distribution, suitable for contexts involving quantities or opinions.

almost torn apart

Implies a forceful separation that was narrowly averted, often used in physical or emotional contexts.

on the verge of fragmentation

Suggests an imminent breakdown or disintegration.

close to being bisected

Emphasizes a division into two equal parts that nearly occurred.

practically at odds

Indicates a state of strong disagreement that almost led to conflict or separation.

virtually partitioned

Suggests a division into distinct sections or areas that almost took place.

just shy of being cleaved

Implies a sharp, forceful division that was narrowly avoided.

bordering on disunion

Highlights a state of near separation or breaking apart, often used in political or social contexts.

FAQs

What does "almost split down the middle" mean?

It means something is very nearly divided into two equal parts, or that opinions on a topic are very closely divided.

What can I say instead of "almost split down the middle"?

You can use alternatives like "nearly divided", "almost equally distributed", or "close to being bisected" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "almost split down"?

While not incorrect, it's less common and might be perceived as informal. "Almost split down the middle" is more frequently used and readily understood.

Can "almost split down" be used to describe physical objects?

Yes, it can describe physical objects that are nearly separated, but it's more often used to describe abstract divisions, such as opinions or votes. For physical objects, consider alternatives like "nearly torn apart".