divide in two

USAGE SUMMARY

"divide in two" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to split or separate something into two equal parts. Example: After much debate, the group decided to divide the project in two and assign different teams to work on each part.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Divide in two.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Divide in two and set half to one side.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

3. Turn dough onto counter, and divide in two.

The New York Times

Divide in two, flatten each portion into a disk, wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 40 minutes.

The New York Times - Food

According to a Coroado tradition, a feud between two families had caused the aboriginal tribe to divide in two.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A bacterium requires about 30 minutes to complete its life history and divide in two (generation time); a giant sequoia bears its first cones and fertile seeds after 60 years.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

The plan is divided in two parts.

The New York Times

So the building is divided in two.

The New York Times

In 395, the Roman Empire had been divided in two.

The New Yorker

My memories of my father are divided in two.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We are divided in two teams at each centre.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "divide in two" in instructions, ensure clarity about what should be divided and the desired outcome of the division. For instance, specify whether equal parts are necessary or if a proportional division is acceptable.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "divide in two" always implies equal parts. If unequal parts are intended, specify the proportions or criteria for the division to prevent confusion. Example: Instead of 'Divide the tasks in two', say 'Divide the tasks with one person taking the more difficult task'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "divide in two" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating an action of separation or partition. Ludwig's examples show its application in various contexts, from dividing dough in recipes to splitting groups or responsibilities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "divide in two" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the action of separating something into two parts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various fields. It appears frequently in Science, News & Media, and Encyclopedias. While it can imply equal parts, clarity is improved by specifying "equal parts" if needed. Related phrases include "split in half" and "bisect", each with slightly different nuances. When using "divide in two", ensure clarity about what's being divided and the desired outcome for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

split in half

This alternative uses 'split' instead of 'divide' and specifies 'half', implying two equal portions.

bisect

Bisect means to divide into two equal parts, offering a more formal and concise alternative.

halve

Halve is a verb that means to reduce to one half or to divide into two equal parts.

separate into two

This option emphasizes the act of separation and explicitly states the resulting number of parts.

partition into two

Partition suggests a more structured or planned division into two distinct sections.

cleave in two

Cleave, in this context, means to split or sever, often implying a forceful division.

fork into two

This suggests a branching division, similar to a road or path splitting into two.

dichotomize

This is a formal term indicating division into two mutually exclusive categories.

segment into two

Segment implies dividing something into distinct, separate parts or sections.

dualize

Dualize means to convert into a dual structure, which suggests separation into two components.

FAQs

How can I use "divide in two" in a sentence?

You can use "divide in two" to describe the act of separating something into two parts, such as, "We need to "divide in two" teams to cover more ground efficiently."

What is the difference between "divide in two" and "split in half"?

While both phrases suggest separation, "divide in two" is more general. "Split in half" implies creating two equal portions, which may not always be the intended meaning of "divide in two".

What can I say instead of "divide in two" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using "bisect" or "partition into two", depending on the specific context and desired level of precision.

Is it always necessary to specify that the division should be equal when using "divide in two"?

No, it's not always necessary, but it's helpful for clarity. If the context implies equal parts or if equality is crucial, specifying "divide in two equal parts" removes ambiguity.