in splits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in splits" is not a commonly used expression in written English.
It is more commonly used in spoken language, as a more casual and informal way of saying "laughing a lot." However, it can still be used in written English, particularly in informal contexts. For example: - "The stand-up comedian had the entire audience in splits with his hilarious jokes." - "We were in splits for hours after watching that funny movie." - "My friends and I were in splits at the dinner table, reminiscing about old memories."

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Both four-game season series finished in splits.

The New York Times - Sports

His high jumps landing in splits and his exciting scissor jumps and barrel turns promised a perfect performance in the future, when he brings his turns under control.

The New York Times

She is a keen-eyed virtuoso dancer who can cross a stage in splits, meanwhile seeming to tell you the meaning of life.

The New Yorker

The legs of the snake, despite having to negotiate her long, thick tail, extend in arabesque and spread out in splits.

The New York Times - Arts

In that number the brothers descended a staircase by alternately jumping over each others' heads in full splits and landing, still in splits, on the step below.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A second reason for the decline, Clement speculated, is that there has been a decline in splits between the circuit courts over major issues, requiring fewer resolutions by the Court.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Splits – as in split skirts.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Those collisions happen in split-seconds.

The New York Times - Sports

Used in split, head, and tail.

Stanford University

The storyline in Split is split in three ways.

The Guardian - Film

Experiment was arranged in split plot design.

HAYATI Journal of Biosciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in splits" sparingly in formal writing. Opt for more conventional expressions like "laughing uncontrollably" or "in stitches" for greater clarity and wider acceptance.

Common error

Avoid using "in splits" in academic papers or business reports. This phrase is generally more appropriate for informal contexts like casual conversations or humorous anecdotes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in splits" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates the state of being overcome with laughter. Ludwig provides examples where it describes audiences reacting to humor or stories.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in splits" is an informal expression used to describe someone laughing uncontrollably. While grammatically acceptable, it's more appropriate for casual conversation and informal writing, as Ludwig AI suggests. More formal contexts might call for alternatives like "laughing uncontrollably" or "overcome with laughter". It appears most frequently in news, media, encyclopedias, and wiki contexts. Its function is to emphasize the intensity of amusement and its use should be tailored to the formality of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

laughing uncontrollably

Focuses on the act of laughing without restraint, emphasizing the intensity of the amusement.

in stitches

An idiomatic expression denoting extreme amusement, similar to "in splits" but with a stronger emphasis on physical reaction.

convulsed with laughter

Highlights the physical aspect of laughter, suggesting a more intense and involuntary reaction.

roaring with laughter

Emphasizes the loud and boisterous nature of the laughter.

beside oneself with laughter

Indicates an overwhelming feeling of amusement that causes one to lose composure.

doubled over with laughter

Describes the physical posture assumed when experiencing intense laughter.

cracking up

An informal way of saying someone is starting to laugh uncontrollably.

dying of laughter

An exaggerated way to express intense amusement.

on the floor laughing

Emphasizes the intensity of laughter to the point of being physically prostrate.

unable to contain laughter

Focuses on the inability to suppress one's laughter.

FAQs

How can I use "in splits" in a sentence?

You can use "in splits" to describe someone laughing uncontrollably, like in the sentence "The comedian had the audience "in splits" with their hilarious jokes."

What's a more formal alternative to "in splits"?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "laughing uncontrollably" or "overcome with laughter", which are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is it grammatically correct to say "in splits"?

While "in splits" is not considered incorrect, it's an informal expression. It's more common in spoken language and casual writing than in formal contexts.

What's the difference between "in stitches" and "in splits"?

Both "in stitches" and "in splits" describe someone laughing a lot, but "in stitches" often implies a more intense, almost painful level of amusement. They are largely interchangeable but carry slightly different connotations.