cut in half

USAGE SUMMARY

"cut in half" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has been divided into two equal parts. Example: The pizza was cut in half, and each person got a piece.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Drain and cut in half.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Cut in half vertically.

The New York Times - Food

Cut in half lengthways.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ultrabook sales forecasts are cut in half.

The New York Times

Cut in half or into smaller pieces.

The New York Times - Health

Cut in half and reserve.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We've had cars totally cut in half".

The New York Times

The producers' revenue was cut in half.

The New York Times

So our weekend was cut in half.

The Guardian - Travel

Our family income was cut in half.

The Guardian

The deficit is cut in half.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To clearly communicate a budget reduction or financial adjustment, "cut in half" concisely represents a 50% decrease.

Common error

Avoid using "cut in half" loosely to describe situations where something is significantly reduced but not precisely by 50%. Use more accurate terms like "reduced significantly" or "substantially decreased" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cut in half" functions primarily as a verb phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes the action of dividing something into two equal or near-equal parts. Examples show its usage in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

20%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cut in half" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that effectively conveys the action of dividing something into two equal parts, as validated by Ludwig AI. Its usage spans across numerous contexts, from recipes and news reports to scientific studies. While grammatically straightforward, it's important to use it accurately, particularly in metaphorical senses. Remember to consider alternatives like "halve" or "divide in two" for nuanced variations. By understanding its function, purpose, and context, you can confidently incorporate "cut in half" into your writing to ensure clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

divide in two

A straightforward and universally understood alternative, emphasizing the action of dividing.

halve

A more concise and direct synonym, suitable for various contexts where reducing something to half its size or amount is intended.

bisect

Implies a precise division into two equal parts, often in a mathematical or geometric context.

split down the middle

Suggests a division along a central line, often used figuratively to describe opposing viewpoints.

share 50/50

Highlights the equal distribution of something, emphasizing fairness and balance.

sever in two

Implies a forceful or abrupt separation into two parts.

decrease by half

Similar to reducing by 50 percent, but applicable in a broader range of situations.

reduce by 50 percent

Focuses on the quantitative aspect of the reduction, useful in statistical or financial contexts.

cleave

Suggests a forceful splitting, often of wood or other dense materials.

go dutch

An idiomatic expression referring to splitting a bill evenly, typically between two people.

FAQs

How can I use "cut in half" in a sentence?

You can use "cut in half" to describe the action of dividing something into two equal parts, as in "The recipe says to cut the tomatoes in half" or "The company's profits were cut in half due to the recession".

What are some alternatives to using "cut in half"?

Alternatives include "halve", "divide in two", or "bisect", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "cutted in half"?

No, "cutted in half" is grammatically incorrect. The past participle of "cut" is "cut", so the correct phrase is "cut in half".

What's the difference between "cut in half" and "sliced"?

"Cut in half" implies dividing something into two roughly equal portions. "Sliced" refers to cutting something into thin, often parallel, pieces. You might "slice something and then cut it in half", but the terms aren't interchangeable.