divided

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "divided" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is separated into parts or portions, often in mathematical or figurative discussions. Example: "The cake was divided into equal slices for the party guests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

More than 9,000 women were involved originally, and were divided into three groups.

The Economist

We are united, the other parties are very, very divided".

The Guardian

Maude told Newsnight on BBC2: "The Conservative party divided roughly like the country does.

The Guardian

This bill has divided us more than ever.

The Guardian

I think we live in a far more divided society than we did".

The Guardian - Film

But Obama made use of the historical setting to try to conjure the very same sort of shared values that brought western nations together when the iron curtain divided Europe; he announced plans to cut nuclear weapons.

The Guardian

For his part, Cameron looked a little remote and would have suffered if viewers' attention had not been divided into seven parts.

The Guardian - Opinion

Around this table two years ago we were divided over Iraq, but by June 2003 there was in place a new UN resolution, a new UN-backed political process to give democracy to Iraqis, which they want, as 8.5 million of them showed by voting for it.

The Guardian

If he gets the chance Miliband might steer a divided Britain towards a gentler, social democratic Britain along German or Scandinavian lines.

The Guardian

At present the size of the opposition in the assembly is miniscule and divided.

The Guardian

In Scotland the yes camp is not far behind the no camp in the independence campaign; opinion is relatively even divided.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a road "divided" by a median, specify the type of division (e.g., "divided highway", "divided road") for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "divided" with abstract nouns when a more specific adjective would be appropriate. For instance, instead of "a divided opinion", consider "a conflicting opinion" or "a differing opinion" to enhance precision.

Linguistic Context

The word "divided" functions primarily as an adjective, describing a state of separation or disagreement. As shown in examples on Ludwig, it often modifies nouns to indicate a lack of unity or consensus.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "divided" functions primarily as an adjective indicating separation, disagreement, or a lack of unity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability, particularly within the context of news and media. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to select more specific adjectives for abstract nouns to enhance precision. As shown by Ludwig, related phrases like "split", "separated", and "disunited" offer nuanced alternatives. Understanding these subtleties can significantly improve clarity and impact in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

split

Implies a separation into distinct parts, similar to "divided" but often suggests a more forceful or abrupt separation.

separated

Indicates a state of being apart or distinct, closely related to "divided" in contexts of physical or conceptual division.

disunited

Emphasizes a lack of unity or cohesion, similar to "divided" in contexts of disagreement or discord.

fractured

Suggests a breaking or splitting into fragments, conveying a sense of damage or instability, akin to a deeply "divided" entity.

polarized

Describes a situation where opinions or groups are sharply opposed, mirroring the effect of being "divided" on a contentious issue.

at odds

Indicates a state of conflict or disagreement, similar to how a "divided" group might be in conflict.

in disagreement

Directly states a lack of consensus, reflecting the condition of being "divided" on a particular matter.

with conflicting opinions

Highlights the presence of differing viewpoints, a common characteristic of a "divided" group or population.

torn

Suggests a state of internal conflict or being pulled in different directions, similar to being "divided" between choices or loyalties.

dichotomized

Implies a division into two mutually exclusive categories, reflecting a binary split similar to being "divided" into two distinct groups.

FAQs

How can "divided" be used in a sentence?

The word "divided" can describe something separated into parts, like "The cake was "divided into slices"", or something experiencing disagreement, such as "The nation was "divided over the issue"".

What are some synonyms for "divided"?

Depending on the context, synonyms for "divided" include "split", "separated", "disunited", "fractured", or "polarized".

Is it better to say "the group is divided" or "the group is disunited"?

Both "the group is divided" and "the group is disunited" are correct, but they carry slightly different connotations. "Divided" suggests separation or disagreement, while "disunited" emphasizes a lack of cohesion or harmony.

When should I use "divided" versus "split"?

"Divided" generally implies a more formal or structured separation, while "split" often suggests a more forceful or sudden separation. For example, "The class was "divided into groups"", but "The company "split in two" after the merger".