it was divided

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was divided" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where something has been separated into parts or sections in the past. Example: "The cake was so large that it was divided into several pieces for the guests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was divided into 0.02 ppm bins, normalized by its total intensity, and analyzed by PCA.

Plosone

Eventually it was divided up.

The New York Times - Food

"It was divided by chronology and media.

The New York Times - Arts

It was divided into two rooms.

The New York Times - Arts

It was divided into two piles -- two very neat piles.

The New York Times - Travel

As finally developed, it was divided into four main areas.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is named so because it was divided into eight sections.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It was divided into a living and dining and kitchen area and a small bedroom.

Princeton University

In the 18th century it was divided between the généralités, or intendances, of Paris and Soissons.

Britannica

In 1887 it was divided by the creation of North Attleborough.

Britannica

They discover their fathers were friends who lived in the same village before it was divided.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the subject to which "it" refers is clearly defined in the preceding context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it was divided" when an active voice construction would be more direct and concise. For example, instead of "The task was divided by the team", consider "The team divided the task" if the focus is on the team's action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was divided" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject (represented by "it") underwent an action of division. As confirmed by Ludwig, this construction is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

29%

Science

24%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was divided" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction that effectively communicates the separation of something into distinct parts. According to Ludwig, its versatility allows for usage across various contexts, from formal academic writing to general news reporting. While "it was divided" is frequently found in neutral registers, you may consider stronger options like "it was partitioned" for increased clarity, or "it was segmented" for more emphasis on distinct divisions. Always ensure that the referent of "it" is clear from the surrounding context to avoid any ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was partitioned

This alternative focuses on the action of dividing something into parts, emphasizing the separation.

it was split

Implies a simple, often equal, division into parts.

it was segmented

This term highlights a division into distinct segments or sections.

it was subdivided

This conveys a further division of something that has already been divided.

it was separated

Focuses on the act of setting apart or segregating the components.

it was allocated

This suggests a division that assigns specific portions to different recipients or purposes.

it was apportioned

This emphasizes a fair or proportional division.

it was distributed

This highlights the act of spreading something out after dividing it.

it was shared

This focuses on making something available to multiple parties by dividing it.

it was broken up

This suggests a more forceful or disruptive division.

FAQs

How to use "it was divided" in a sentence?

Use "it was divided" to describe how something was separated into parts or categories. For example, "The estate "it was divided" among the heirs".

What can I say instead of "it was divided"?

You can use alternatives like "it was split", "it was partitioned", or "it was segmented" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it was divided" or "it is divided"?

"It was divided" refers to a past action of dividing something, while "it is divided" refers to a present state of being divided. Choose the tense that matches the timing of the division you are describing.

What's the difference between "it was divided" and "it divided"?

"It was divided" is in the passive voice, indicating that something was acted upon. "It divided" is active, meaning the subject performed the act of dividing. For example, "The cell "it was divided" (passive)" versus "The knife "it divided" the cake (active)".