split

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'split' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a verb that means to divide into two or more parts, to separate, or to arrange something into different groups or categories. For example, "The group decided to split the cost evenly between them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Susa group (made famous in the film Gorillas in the Mist) recently split, which means the creation of a new, independent gorilla family group in the Mt Karisimbi area looks likely.

The Guardian - Travel

That the party concerned is the Social Democratic Labour party (SDLP) throws into sharp relief that the de facto coalition of Irish nationalist forces has split.

The Guardian

The Conservative party is now split three ways, and deeply so, between a tiny sliver of Pro-Europeans, a large group of Grudging Belongers and an increasing number of Better Off Outers.

The Guardian - Opinion

Later he recognised the split had worked out reasonably well and that most Slovaks and Czechs were reasonably content," he said.

The Guardian

But the ComRes study – of 1,000 people across the 40 seats currently held by Labour – shows that voters are evenly split on whether the SNP should strike a deal at Westminster, with SNP voters far more uncertain about the case for a deal than the party's leadership.

The Guardian

They are split by dizzying ravines, which are, in turn, often overhung with imposing bulwarks of rock.

The Guardian - Travel

Sabbahi's declaration has already split the leadership of Tamarod, the high-profile protest movement that led calls for Mohamed Morsi's overthrow last summer.

The Guardian

Actually, it can't do poached eggs, but let's not split hairs when a fabulous new opportunity is staring us in the face.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The service charge would be split among servers and cooks, which would give servers roughly the same income if they also get a 5% tip, but would mainly help to boost the cooks' pay to closer to $20, he said.

The Guardian - Business

Will Nigel Farage's successes split the centre-right vote, or take support from Labour, or both?

The Guardian

The German goalkeeper is nothing if not decisive and beats the Algeria forward to the bouncing ball by a split second, heading it out for a throw-in before the inevitable collision between the two players.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "split" to describe opinions or votes, ensure you clarify what the division is about (e.g., "split on the issue of taxation").

Common error

Avoid using "split" when you mean a small, sharp fragment. Use "splinter" instead, which refers to a small piece of wood or other material that has broken off from a larger object.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "split" is as a verb, indicating the action of dividing something into two or more parts. It also functions as an adjective describing something that has been divided. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Travel

10%

Sport

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Lifestyle

4%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "split" functions primarily as a verb meaning to divide or separate, but it can also be used as an adjective. Ludwig's AI affirms that "split" is grammatically sound and used across various contexts, from news and media to travel and sports. It's important to differentiate it from similar words like "splinter" and to be mindful of its neutral register, as it can appear in both formal and informal settings. Common usages include describing divisions of opinion, physical objects, or responsibilities. Remember, "split" is both the past tense and past participle; "splitted" is non-standard.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

divide

Broader term indicating separation into parts.

separate

Implies a more distinct disconnection or detachment.

share

Specifically refers to distributing something among multiple parties.

partition

Suggests a formal or structured division.

dissect

Implies careful and detailed separation.

cleave

A more formal or archaic term for splitting.

sunder

Suggests a violent or forceful separation.

bisect

Specifically refers to dividing into two equal parts.

segment

Implies division into distinct sections or units.

allocate

Focuses on assigning portions to different recipients.

FAQs

How can I use "split" in a sentence?

You can use "split" to mean divide into parts, like in the sentence "They decided to "split the bill" evenly", or to describe disagreement, as in "The council was "split over the new proposal"".

What are some alternatives to the word "split"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "divide", "separate", "share", or "partition".

Which is correct: "split" or "splitted"?

"Split" is both the past tense and past participle of the verb "split". "Splitted" is not a standard form and should be avoided.

What's the difference between "split" and "cleave"?

While both "split" and "cleave" can mean to divide or separate, "cleave" can also mean to cling to or adhere, making "cleave" potentially ambiguous and "split" generally a safer choice when intending to convey division.