in two pieces

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in two pieces" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been divided or broken into two separate parts. Example: "The vase fell off the table and shattered in two pieces."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The fuselage is in two pieces.

The New York Times - Arts

Copy 1 in two pieces.

Yale University

I'm going to answer in two pieces.

Cornell University

Their new couch came in two pieces.

The New York Times

C melody saxophone of lacquered brass in two pieces.

Yale University

Later video showed the ship lying upright in two pieces.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That $49.8 million was split in two pieces.

The Washington Post

The second "leg" arrives, in two pieces, on two trucks.

The Guardian - Arts

When recovered, the statue was in two pieces.

The New York Times - Books

One side of paw is broken off in two pieces (found).

Harvard University

Back in two pieces of quartersawn maple, with faint flame slanting down from the center.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in two pieces" to vividly describe an object that has broken or been made in two distinct parts, enhancing clarity and imagery in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "in two pieces" when a more precise term like "halved" or "bisected" is required for technical or mathematical contexts. Ensure the phrase aligns with the intended level of formality and specificity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in two pieces" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the state or condition resulting from an action. Ludwig AI shows this is used to indicate how something exists after being acted upon. For example, "The vase broke in two pieces."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in two pieces" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to describe something broken or divided. Ludwig AI indicates its versatility, appearing across diverse sources like news media, academic papers, and scientific articles. While neutral in register, writers should choose more precise terms for specific technical contexts. Its frequent appearance in authoritative sources confirms its wide acceptance and proper usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

divided in half

Focuses specifically on equal division.

split in two

Emphasizes the act of separating into two.

separated into two parts

A more descriptive and less concise way of expressing the same idea.

in two sections

Similar to "separated into two parts" but emphasizes the structural aspect.

in dual segments

Highlights the existence of two distinct segments or sections.

in bipartite form

More formal and technical, often used in scientific or academic contexts.

two-part

A concise adjective describing something composed of two parts.

fractured in two

Emphasizes the breaking or cracking into two pieces, typically due to force.

bisected

Implies a precise cut or division into two equal parts.

in duplicate

Focuses on making or having two identical copies, which is slightly different from a simple division.

FAQs

How can I use "in two pieces" in a sentence?

You can use "in two pieces" to describe something that has been broken or manufactured in two parts. For example, "The statue was found "in two pieces" after the earthquake".

What are some alternatives to saying "in two pieces"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "divided in half", "split in two", or "separated into two parts".

Is it always appropriate to use "in two pieces"?

While generally acceptable, consider the context. In formal or technical writing, a more precise term might be preferable. For instance, in geometry, "bisected" might be more appropriate than ""in two pieces"".

What does it mean when something is described as "in two pieces"?

It means that the object or item is divided or broken into two separate parts. The phrase emphasizes that there are specifically two distinct pieces resulting from the division or breakage.