had been divided

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had been divided" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something was separated or split into parts at some point in the past, often in a context involving time or events. Example: "The territory had been divided among the various factions long before the peace talks began."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Those duties had been divided among several smaller agencies.

The New York Times

The house had been divided into five condominiums.

The New York Times

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

The New Yorker

Those tasks had been divided among several agencies.

The New York Times

The account had been divided among several agencies.

The New York Times

Those duties had been divided between Publicis and offices of the Leo Burnett Co., Chicago.

The New York Times

The officials said the commission had been divided over the L.M.A's originally.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Public opinion has been divided.

The New York Times

Critics have been divided.

The Guardian - Film

Opinion has been divided.

The Washington Post

The island has been divided ever since.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "had been divided", ensure the context clearly indicates the original whole and the resulting parts. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "had been divided" when a simpler past tense ("was divided") is sufficient. The past perfect tense implies an action completed before another point in the past, so ensure this relationship exists in your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had been divided" functions as a verb phrase in the passive voice, indicating that the subject of the sentence underwent the action of being separated into parts. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which showcase its frequent usage in describing how entities or concepts were previously split or distributed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "had been divided" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed construction used to describe a past separation or apportionment, according to Ludwig AI. Appearing most often in news and media, but common in other domains too, it effectively conveys that something was split before a specific point in time. Ludwig’s analysis underscores its value in establishing a historical context and suggests that while alternatives exist, the specific tense choice is key to accurately reflect the sequence of events. Writers are advised to ensure appropriate tense sequencing to avoid misuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was split

Focuses on the act of splitting, implying a more abrupt division.

was separated

Emphasizes the act of making something distinct or detached.

had been apportioned

Highlights the distribution of something into specific shares or portions.

had been allocated

Stresses the act of assigning something for a specific purpose or to a specific entity.

had been shared

Implies a more equitable distribution among multiple parties.

was fragmented

Indicates a process of breaking into smaller, disconnected pieces.

was partitioned

Refers specifically to dividing a territory or entity into distinct parts.

had been cleaved

Suggests a forceful or decisive separation.

was subdivided

Highlights a further division of something already divided.

had been demarcated

Emphasizes the establishment of clear boundaries or limits.

FAQs

How is "had been divided" used in a sentence?

The phrase "had been divided" indicates that something was separated or split into parts at some point in the past, prior to another event. For example: "The territory "had been divided" among the various factions before the peace talks began."

What can I say instead of "had been divided"?

You can use alternatives like "was split", "was separated", or "had been apportioned" depending on the context.

When should I use "had been divided" instead of "was divided"?

Use "had been divided" when you want to emphasize that the division occurred before another action or time in the past. If the sequence isn't important, "was divided" is often sufficient.

Is ""had been divided"" grammatically correct?

Yes, ""had been divided"" is grammatically correct. It is the past perfect passive form of the verb "divide". However, ensure that the context warrants the use of the past perfect tense, as overuse can make writing sound unnecessarily complex.