bisect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bisect" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in mathematical or geometrical contexts to refer to dividing something into two equal parts. Example: "To find the midpoint of the line segment, you need to bisect it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most important, it has buried the railway line that used to bisect the city.Oddly, the explosion of tribal gambling outfits is one reason for Reno's economic recovery.

The Economist

An independent south Sudan would more clearly bisect the river's African "suppliers" from its Arab "recipients".

The Economist

Ban Ki-moon, the secretary general of the UN, said Palestine would join the court on April 1st.Before Mahmoud Abbas applied on January 1st to join the ICC, Israeli officials promised it would result in an appropriate "Zionist response": the expansion of settlements that would in effect bisect the West Bank near Jerusalem.

The Economist

What happens next depends on how the Bosporus problem can be resolved.Battle of the BosporusThe 1936 Treaty of Montreux declared the 27km Bosporus Straits that bisect Istanbul to be international waters.

The Economist

Portugal could claim and occupy everything to the east of the line and Spain everything to the west (though no one then knew where the demarcation would bisect the other side of the globe).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The River Cherwell and the Oxford Canal extend north from Oxford city and bisect the district.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If you are lucky enough to live near a Turkish supermarket, where traditional butchery skills are still practiced, the butcher will even bisect the standard chop to produce perfect finger food.

Independent

Insurgent control of that area would bisect the Assad-held west, separating Damascus from the coastal cities of Latakia and Tartous, where Russia operates a naval facility.

Independent

The key ball was a beautiful pass by Santi Cazorla to bisect the Liverpool defence and a good run and finish from Ramsey who was level when the pass was released.

Independent

Staffordshire The line would go through ancient woodlands near Lichfield, and bisect a wetland with botanically rich grassland near the village of Hints.

Independent

The crisis in the agricultural heartland of Pakistan relates to the Chenab, one of a series of waterways that bisect the Punjab, which means 'five rivers'.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bisect" when precision is needed, such as in mathematical or technical contexts, to convey the act of dividing something into two equal parts or cutting across it.

Common error

Avoid using "bisect" in general division scenarios where precise equality isn't implied. Use more general terms like "divide" or "cut" if the division doesn't need to be exact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "bisect" is as a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object. Ludwig, as shown in the examples, "bisect" describes the action of dividing something into two parts, often implying equality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bisect" is a grammatically correct and frequently used transitive verb that means to divide something into two parts. Ludwig shows it is commonly employed in formal contexts such as news, encyclopedias, and science to describe precise divisions or intersections. While "divide in half" and similar terms can be alternatives, "bisect" is most appropriate when precision is required. The Ludwig AI confirms the usability of the expression and its correct grammar.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

divide in half

Focuses on dividing into two equal portions, similar to "bisect" but less formal.

halve

A direct synonym meaning to reduce to one half.

cut in two

A more general term for dividing something, without necessarily implying equal parts.

split evenly

Emphasizes the equality of the resulting parts after division.

divide equally

Highlights the equal distribution resulting from the division.

intersect

Suggests crossing or cutting through something, often used in a geometric or spatial context.

transect

Similar to intersect, but often used in scientific or technical contexts to describe a line cutting across an area.

separate into two

Emphasizes the action of separating into two distinct parts.

cleave

Implies splitting or dividing along a natural line or plane.

crosscut

To cut across the grain or main axis of something.

FAQs

How is "bisect" typically used in a sentence?

The term "bisect" is often used to describe dividing something into two equal parts, especially in geometry or geography. For example, "The river appears to "bisect" the city" or "To find the midpoint, "bisect" the line segment".

What can I say instead of "bisect"?

You can use alternatives like "divide in half", "cut in two", or "split evenly" depending on the context. These options may be suitable for less formal situations.

What is the difference between "bisect" and "intersect"?

"Bisect" specifically means to divide into two equal parts or to cut in half. "Intersect" /s/intersect simply means to cross or meet at a point or line, without necessarily implying division into equal parts.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the word "bisect"?

The term "bisect" is most appropriate in formal contexts, particularly in mathematics, geometry, geography, and technical writing where precise division or cutting across is being described.