be divided into two

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be divided into two" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of separating something into two distinct parts or categories. Example: "The project will be divided into two main phases: research and implementation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

BIFs can be divided into two kinds.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Boxing can be divided into two traditions.

The Guardian - Opinion

SALADS can be divided into two main types.

The New York Times - Food

Creed's works can be divided into two categories.

The Guardian - Arts

Instead, the company would be divided into two.

The New Yorker

The candidates' books can be divided into two broad categories.

The New York Times

Magnesium alloys can be divided into two types.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The designs can be divided into two groups.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Psychoses may be divided into two categories: organic and functional.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Loneliness can be divided into two types: transient and chronic.

The New York Times - Books

Bainbridge's work can be divided into two broad types.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context clearly defines the basis for the division. Readers should understand what criteria are being used to create the two categories or parts.

Common error

Avoid using "divided by two" when you mean "be divided into two". "Divided by two" implies a mathematical operation, not a separation into categories. For example, say "The students were divided into two groups", not "The students were divided by two groups".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be divided into two" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of separating or categorizing something into two distinct parts. Ludwig shows that it is commonly used to describe how a subject is split, classified, or organized.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be divided into two" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is separated or categorized into two distinct parts. Ludwig's analysis confirms its widespread use across various contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "be split in half" or "be separated into two" exist, "be divided into two" offers a versatile and clear way to structure information, making it an effective choice for various writing purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be split in half

Uses "split" instead of "divided", implying a more physical separation into two equal parts.

be separated into two

Emphasizes the act of separation, highlighting the distinctness of the two parts.

be categorized into two

Focuses on classification, where items are grouped into two distinct categories.

be classified into two

Similar to categorized, emphasizing a structured classification into two groups.

be grouped into two

Highlights the act of forming two groups based on shared characteristics.

be bifurcated

A more formal term for dividing into two, often used in technical contexts.

be cleaved into two

Suggests a sharp or decisive division into two.

be sectioned into two

Implies a division into two distinct sections or parts.

be dichotomized

Highlights a division into two mutually exclusive categories.

be halved

Focuses on the result of the division, ending with two equal halves.

FAQs

How can I use "be divided into two" in a sentence?

Use "be divided into two" to indicate a separation or classification into two distinct parts or categories. For example: "The book can "be divided into two" main sections: theory and application."

What are some alternatives to "be divided into two"?

Some alternatives include "be split in half", "be separated into two", "be categorized into two", or "be classified into two", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "be divided into two" or "be divided in two"?

"Be divided into two" is the correct and more common phrasing. "Be divided in two" is less frequently used and can sound awkward to native English speakers.

What's the difference between "be divided into two" and "be divided among two"?

"Be divided into two" implies a separation into two categories or parts, while "be divided among two" suggests distributing something between two entities. For example: "The prize money will "be divided among two" winners", but "The essay can "be divided into two" sections".