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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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i was split

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was split" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone feels divided in their thoughts, emotions, or decisions. Example: "When faced with the choice between two job offers, I was split on which one to accept."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

As she says in Sumire's account, "I was split in two forever".

"I was split between four different roles - there's me as a father, there's me as an ambulance man, there's me as a photographer and there is me trying to stop getting beaten up," he says.

News & Media

BBC

"I was split off from everybody," he recalls.

News & Media

Vice

I was split into one thousand pieces when I landed in New York.

News & Media

Vice

"For a long time, I was split in two parts: one Muslim, one lesbian.

News & Media

Vice

"I was split down the middle—I had been discouraged by the art institution from bringing my mystical leanings into conversations about my artwork.

News & Media

Vice
Show more...

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

It's like I was splitting my personality in two".

News & Media

The New York Times

In the year he was born, I was splitting up with my first serious girlfriend.

Farhad: I'm split.

My sister and I were split up.

News & Media

The Guardian

"I am split," the minister said.

News & Media

The New York Times
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider adding context to clarify what you were split between. For instance, "I was split between my desire to travel and my need to stay employed."

Common error

While "I was split" is generally acceptable, it can sometimes sound less formal than alternatives like "I felt conflicted" or "I was of two minds", especially in professional writing.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.2/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was split" functions as a statement of feeling or condition, indicating a state of internal division or conflict. Ludwig examples show it used to describe being torn between different options, emotions, or identities. Ludwig AI validates that it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was split" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey a feeling of being divided between different options, emotions, or obligations. As Ludwig examples illustrate, it appears frequently in news and media contexts, but is also used in scientific articles. While generally acceptable, the register is neutral and the phrase may need to be adapted with careful word choice to suit formal writing. Considering alternatives like "I felt torn" or "I was conflicted" can provide more nuanced options. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness, underscoring its validity in everyday language.

FAQs

What does "I was split" mean?

The phrase "I was split" typically means that you felt divided or torn between two or more options, emotions, or obligations. It suggests an internal conflict or a state of indecision.

What can I say instead of "I was split"?

You can use alternatives like "I felt torn", "I felt divided", or "I was conflicted" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I was split in two"?

Yes, "I was split in two" is a common variation that emphasizes the sense of being completely divided or having two distinct and opposing parts within yourself. Some consider saying "I was perturbed" instead.

How is "I was split" different from "I was confused"?

"I was split" implies a division between different choices or feelings, while "I was confused" indicates a lack of understanding or clarity. The former suggests internal conflict, whereas the latter suggests a lack of comprehension.

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Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.2/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: