an evenly split

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an evenly split" is not correct in standard English; it should be "an even split." You can use it when describing a division or distribution that is equal among parties or items.
Example: "The profits from the project will be shared as an even split between the two partners."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

— In an evenly split vote, the State Board of Education on Thursday upheld teaching evolution as accepted mainstream science.

The New York Times

The two companies said they had set up an evenly split joint venture, Bharti Changi Airport, to bid for the New Delhi and Bombay airports.

The New York Times

All day Tuesday, as the state senators rolled around in their chamber, no one emerged to play king or queen for the day, the chance for power that an evenly split Legislature uniquely offers to its members.

The New York Times

And, he said, the transition encompassed more than just cabinet appointees, and that Mr. Gore was focusing on larger issues, including examining his policy goals and what kind of legislation might be possible to move through such an evenly split Congress.

The New York Times

But oftentimes someone is ordering more drinks or extra appetizers or hogging dessert, which makes the idea of an evenly split bill less attractive.

TechCrunch

My campaign's own polling indicates that though this is an evenly split district there is strong support for a carbon tax among all political persuasions.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

He will have to govern without a majority in an almost evenly split Congress.

The Economist

And although the Supreme Court race was officially deemed nonpartisan, the vote appeared to reflect an almost evenly split philosophical divide — give or take a few hundred votes — among more than 1.4 million voters.

The New York Times

Some Republican leaders, such as Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert of Illinois, have suggested it may be better to present an almost evenly split Congress with smaller or targeted cuts while helping Bush build support for other policies.

Forbes

At the least, Mr. Schumer, as a member of the Judiciary Committee in a Senate evenly split between Democrats and Republicans, can make it painful for the Republicans to install replacements he opposes.

The New York Times

A general election on Dec. 14 in the Turkish Cypriot-held north of Cyprus returned a parliament evenly split between supporters and opponents of a United Nations plan for reunifying the island, complicating the task of forming a government.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "an evenly split" is understandable, it's better to use "an even split" for grammatical correctness. It's the standard and more precise phrasing.

Common error

Avoid using "evenly" when "even" is required to describe an equal distribution or division. "Even" focuses on the equality of the division, while "evenly" generally relates to how something is distributed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an evenly split" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. However, it's important to note that Ludwig AI flags it as grammatically incorrect, recommending "an even split" instead.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "an evenly split" is found in various sources, including news and media outlets, Ludwig AI indicates that the grammatically correct phrasing is "an even split". The phrase aims to convey a balance or equality in division, and while it's understandable, using "an even split" ensures grammatical accuracy, especially in formal contexts. Alternatives like "an equal division" or "equally divided" can also be employed for clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an equal division

Replaces "evenly split" with a more direct term, focusing on the equality of the division.

an equal share

Similar to "an equal division" but implies that each part is a portion of something.

a balanced distribution

Focuses on the equilibrium achieved through the division.

a 50/50 split

Uses a numerical representation to emphasize the evenness of the division.

a half-and-half division

Similar to "a 50/50 split" but expressed using words.

an equitable distribution

Implies fairness and justice in the way something is divided.

parts equally divided

Highlights the outcome of the division rather than the process.

divided into equal portions

Emphasizes the equal size or amount of the resulting parts.

split down the middle

Suggests a clear and definitive division into two equal parts.

divided evenly

Uses a slightly different word order to convey the same meaning of equal division.

FAQs

What's the correct way to say "an evenly split"?

The grammatically correct way to express this idea is "an even split". Although "an evenly split" is sometimes used, it's considered incorrect.

Can I use "evenly split" to describe something that is almost equal?

While "evenly" suggests perfect equality, context may permit its use for near equality. However, it's more precise to say "almost an even split" or "nearly equally divided".

What are some alternatives to "an evenly split" in formal writing?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "an equal division", "an equitable distribution", or "divided equally" for greater precision.

Is there a difference between "an evenly split" and "a divided equally"?

While both phrases suggest a similar concept, "a divided equally" (or preferably, "equally divided") focuses more on the process of division, whereas "an even split" focuses on the outcome—the state of being equally divided.