split in half

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "split in half" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been literally or figuratively divided into two equal parts. For example, "The sandwich was split in half, and each person got one half."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The car split in half.

The New York Times - Sports

Then, it is split in half.

The New York Times

Ivory Coast is split in half.

The New York Times

Each day was split in half.

The New York Times

… Well, now it's split in half — like my heart.

The New Yorker

The car had hit a guardrail and split in half.

The New York Times - Sports

In 2009 Panic! at the Disco split in half.

The New York Times - Arts

She split in half and her forward magazines burst.

The New York Times

The goal promptly split in half and fell apart.

The Guardian - Sport

This time round the game is split in half.

The Guardian - Tech

"Once, I hit the ball, and it split in half.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "split in half", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being divided and that the division results in two distinct parts. This phrase can apply to physical objects, abstract concepts, or even groups.

Common error

Avoid using "split in half" when the division does not result in two roughly equal portions. If the division is unequal, consider using phrases like "divided unequally" or "partitioned into segments".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "split in half" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the action of dividing something into two, often equal, parts. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is correct and widely used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

23%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "split in half" is a common and versatile verb phrase used to describe the action of dividing something into two parts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts but is also common in wikis and scientific writing, making it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. While alternatives like "divided into two" and "bisected" exist, "split in half" often conveys a sense of sudden or forceful division. Ensure that the context indicates a clear division into two portions for optimal clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

divided into two

Emphasizes the action of dividing something into two parts.

halved

A more concise way of saying "split in half", implying division into two equal parts.

bisected

Suggests a precise division into two equal parts, often used in technical contexts.

cut in two

Focuses on the physical act of cutting something into two pieces.

separated into two

Highlights the result of the division, with the parts now distinct.

partitioned into halves

Implies a more formal or organized division into two parts.

cleaved in two

Suggests a forceful or sudden splitting.

sundered in twain

An archaic term indicating violent separation into two.

fractured in two

Implies breaking something into two pieces, typically under duress.

dichotomized

Divided into two mutually exclusive categories or groups.

FAQs

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

You can use "split in half" to describe something physically divided, like "The apple was split in half", or to describe a division of something abstract, like "The group was split in half over the decision".

What's the difference between "divided into two" and "split in half"?

"Split in half" implies a more forceful or sudden separation, while "divided into two" is a more general term for separation into two parts. They are often interchangeable but "split in half" has a stronger connotation of a clean, even break.

Is "split in half" formal or informal?

"Split in half" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal writing might prefer "divided into two" for its more neutral connotation.

What can I say instead of "split in half" to sound more precise?

For more precise language, consider using "bisected", which specifically means to divide into two equal parts, often used in mathematical or technical contexts.