other half

USAGE SUMMARY

"other half" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the remaining part of something, with which it is usually understood to be evenly split. For example, "I found the money I needed from my other half."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the other half?

The New Yorker

Your other half?

Independent

The other half was Israel.

The New York Times - Magazine

The other half is equality.

The New Yorker

The other half is rubble.

The New York Times

The other half remained sedentary.

The New York Times

The other half is deterrence.

The New Yorker

The other half did not.

Independent

The other half was theirs".

Encyclopedia Britannica

The other half don't care".

The New York Times

(The other half were consultants).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In instructional writing, such as recipes or assembly guides, ensure the noun being halved is clearly identified before using the phrase.

Common error

Do not use "another half" when you are referring to the specific remainder of a single object. Since a whole only has two halves, the definite article in "the other half" is grammatically required to indicate the specific remaining piece. Use "another portion" if the division is not into two equal parts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "other half" functions primarily as a noun phrase consisting of the adjective "other" and the noun "half". It acts as a definite reference to the remaining 50% of a whole. In many Ludwig examples, it serves as the subject or object of a sentence to denote a binary split. Ludwig AI notes its high utility in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "other half" is an indispensable phrase in English that seamlessly transitions between technical precision and social colloquialism. According to Ludwig, it is highly frequent in news sources like The New York Times and instructional content in WikiHow. Whether you are dividing a pomegranate or introducing a domestic partner, the phrase provides a clear binary framework that readers immediately understand. Ludwig AI confirms its status as a grammatically sound and versatile tool for any writer's arsenal. Its usage remains stable across diverse genres, proving its enduring utility in both literal and figurative communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

better half

A more affectionate and slightly cliché idiom specifically for a romantic partner.

remaining half

A more literal and formal way to describe the rest of a split object.

significant other

A gender-neutral and professional term for a romantic partner.

counterpart

Focuses on the part that matches or completes the first half in a functional way.

remainder

A mathematical term used for what is left over, regardless of the size.

second half

Typically refers to the latter portion of an event, such as a game or a year.

balance

Used in financial contexts to describe the remaining amount of a total.

spouse

The formal and legal term for a married partner.

complement

Refers to the part that makes the whole complete or perfect.

rest

A general term for whatever part of something remains.

FAQs

How do I use "other half" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a split object, such as "I ate one slice of the apple and gave the "other half" to my friend", or to refer to a partner, like "My "other half" is meeting me for dinner".

What is the difference between "other half" and "better half"?

While both can refer to a spouse, "better half" is more of a complimentary cliché, whereas "other half" is more neutral and can also be used literally for physical objects.

Is "other half" formal enough for business writing?

When referring to a spouse, it is generally considered too informal. You should use "partner" or "spouse" instead. However, for literal divisions, it is perfectly acceptable.

Can I say "the other half" without a noun following it?

Yes, it often functions as a pronoun where the noun is implied, such as in the common phrase "How the "other half lives"".