split across

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "split across" is a valid and usable expression in written English.
This phrase is used to describe something that has been physically divided into several parts. For example: The classroom was split across two floors, with first-year students occupying the upper level and more advanced students situated on the lower.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The action is split across two different audio channels.

The Guardian

Each one split across the top, the toasted kernels peeping out enticingly like babies under a blanket.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But it means that Thubron's journey was split across two years, even though we hardly notice the join.

The Guardian - Books

Both banks hope to expand further, aided by £4m split across both from the Department of Health last year.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When sheep move, as hot milk split across a tawny cloth, dust rises like steam in their wake.

The Guardian - Books

It is a versatile tool based on the concept of big data with functionality split across three different products.

The Guardian

The council's $270m portfolio is split across 20 term deposits, which come up for review every three to six months.

The Guardian

The OAIC is to be disbanded as part of the government's budget announcements, with its roles split across different agencies.

The Guardian

The 48 rooms are split across the main house and mews cottages that link the Manor House to the village.

Independent

She frequently tweets out verbose diatribes split across dozens of messages; she once tweeted 34 times in 32 minutes.

The Economist

Currently, lending is split across several divisions.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "split across" to clearly indicate that something is divided or distributed among multiple entities or areas. It emphasizes the result of the division rather than the act itself.

Common error

Avoid using "split across" when referring to items that cannot be logically divided. For example, it's incorrect to say "the idea was split across the team" if the idea was shared and understood collectively, not fragmented.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "split across" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating how something is divided or distributed over a given area or set of elements. Ludwig's examples showcase its versatile usage in various contexts, reinforcing its function as a divider.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "split across" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe the division or distribution of something over a given range or set of items. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and widely used in diverse contexts, from scientific research to news reports. While versatile, it's important to ensure its use aligns with the logical divisibility of the subject matter. Alternatives like ""divided between"" or "distributed among" can provide nuanced variations. With a neutral register, "split across" is suitable for both formal and informal communication, solidifying its place as a common and useful phrase in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

divided between

Focuses on the act of dividing something into distinct parts or groups.

distributed among

Implies a more equitable or planned allocation to multiple recipients.

spread over

Emphasizes the spatial distribution of something across a surface or area.

allocated to

Specifically suggests a formal or official assignment to different categories or recipients.

partitioned between

Highlights a structural separation or division into distinct sections.

shared among

Suggests a cooperative or communal distribution.

dispersed throughout

Indicates a scattered or widespread distribution.

scattered across

Emphasizes a random and uneven distribution.

allotted to

Implies a specific quantity or share assigned to each part.

fragmented across

Focuses on the broken or disjointed nature of the distribution.

FAQs

How can I use "split across" in a sentence?

You can use "split across" to show how something is divided or distributed, like "The responsibilities were "divided between" the team members" or "The funding was "allocated to" several projects".

What's a good alternative to "split across"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like ""divided between"", "distributed among", or "spread over". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "split across" or "divided across"?

Both "split across" and "divided across" are grammatically correct and very similar in meaning. The choice often comes down to stylistic preference, but "split across" might slightly emphasize the resulting distribution, while "divided across" focuses more on the act of division.

Can "split across" be used for abstract concepts?

Yes, "split across" can be used for abstract concepts, like "The workload was distributed among the departments" or "The blame was "shared among" several individuals". Just ensure the concept can be logically divided.