divide up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "divide up" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean to separate something into smaller parts or sections. For example, "We decided to divide up the work among our team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Do preferences divide up on gender lines?

The Guardian - Music

How will they divide up their responsibilities?

The Guardian - Opinion

Serbia and Croatia were to divide up the country.

The New York Times

Divide up the guanciale between the skillets and serve.

Independent

These cells neatly divide up the process of vision.

MIT Technology Review

How do you divide up a doll's house?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"How can you divide up something in an evolutionary stage?

The New York Times

That day, they quickly divide up the chores.

The New York Times

So, the question is, how do we divide up the company?

Yale University

How will we divide up whatever value we create in the negotiation?

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The spheroids actively divide up-to 50 cells (Figure 4B).

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "divide up", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being divided and who or what it is being divided among. For clarity, specify the method of division (e.g., equally, proportionally).

Common error

Avoid using "divide up" when the intention is to combine or merge, not separate. The phrase inherently implies a separation or distribution, which is the opposite of combining.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "divide up" functions primarily as a transitive verb, requiring an object to complete its meaning. As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes the act of separating something into smaller portions or distributing it among several recipients. This is evident in examples like "Divide up the cake into 5 equal parts".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

23%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Science

13%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "divide up" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate the separation or distribution of something. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and applicable across various contexts, from academic and professional settings to news reports and everyday conversations. While alternatives like "distribute" or "allocate" exist, "divide up" offers a straightforward and easily understood way to convey the act of partitioning resources, tasks, or responsibilities. Understanding its nuances and appropriate usage contributes to clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distribute

Focuses on the action of giving portions of something to multiple recipients.

apportion

Emphasizes the allocation of something according to a specific plan or ratio.

allocate

Suggests assigning something for a specific purpose or to a particular recipient.

share out

Implies a more informal and equal distribution among a group.

split

Indicates a separation into two or more parts, often equal.

segment

Highlights the act of dividing something into distinct sections or parts.

partition

Suggests creating separate areas or divisions within a larger space or entity.

break down

Focuses on separating something into smaller, more manageable components.

carve up

Suggests dividing something, often land or resources, in a potentially aggressive or competitive manner.

ration

Implies controlling and distributing something, especially when it is scarce.

FAQs

How do you use "divide up" in a sentence?

You can use "divide up" to mean to separate something into smaller parts or to distribute something among several recipients. For example, "We need to divide up the tasks for this project", or "Let's divide up the pizza so everyone gets a fair share".

What can I say instead of "divide up"?

You can use alternatives like "distribute", "apportion", or "allocate" depending on the specific context. Each alternative carries slightly different nuances of meaning.

Is it correct to say "divide up" or simply "divide"?

Both "divide up" and "divide" are grammatically correct. "Divide up" emphasizes the separation and distribution of something, while "divide" is a more general term. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

What is the difference between "divide up" and "split up"?

"Divide up" typically implies distributing portions of a whole, whereas "split up" often suggests separating something into distinct parts, sometimes with a connotation of ending a relationship or union.