split off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "split off" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used in various ways to describe the act of separating or dividing something from a larger entity. Some examples of sentences using "split off" are: - "The company decided to split off its retail division into a separate business." - "My friends and I split off from the main group to explore the city on our own." - "The scientist was able to split off the compound into its individual components." - "The artist used a chisel to split off a small piece of marble for her sculpture." - "After years of disagreements, the two partners finally decided to split off and pursue their own separate careers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Mr Levitt wanted these permanently split off.

The Economist

Ghaith and his friends split off.

The New Yorker

The kids split off into group lessons.

The New Yorker

Engineering had to split off from construction.

Harvard Business Review

Maybe she will want to split off".

The New York Times

In 1998, they did join, but later split off.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Soon comes a split-off to an abandoned quarry.

The New York Times - Travel

Essentially, these techniques use a ITB split-off.

Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics

On September 23 , 2011 the Company completed the Split-Off.

Forbes

This model includes the nonparabolicity of the conduction and light-hole and split-off bands and the interaction between the split-off and conduction bands.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Notice that the sheer-strain-induced HH LH coupling and split-off contributions are ignored.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "split off" when indicating a clear separation or division, either physical or organizational. Ensure the context clarifies what is being separated from what.

Common error

Avoid using "split off" interchangeably with verbs like "split up" or "split between". "Split off" implies a separation from a larger entity, whereas "split up" and "split between" suggest division among multiple entities or individuals.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "split off" primarily functions as a verb indicating separation or detachment. Ludwig AI validates this through its examples showing how entities, groups, or components separate from a larger whole.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

29%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "split off" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the act of separating something from a larger entity. Ludwig AI analysis of various sources confirms that its meaning and application are consistent across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. While generally neutral in register, it's important to use it accurately, distinguishing it from similar verbs like "split up". Consider alternatives such as "break away" or "separate out" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

separate out

Focuses on the act of distinguishing and isolating something from a larger set.

spin off

Specifically used when a new business is created from part of an existing one.

break away

Highlights a sudden departure or rebellion from a group or organization.

branch out

Emphasizes developing in a new direction after originating from somewhere else.

diverge from

Highlights a deviation in path or opinion from a common starting point.

detach from

Implies a disconnection or severing of ties, either physically or emotionally.

secede from

Refers to the formal withdrawal of a state or region from a country.

bud off

Used in biology to describe asexual reproduction where a new organism develops from an outgrowth or bud due to cell division at one particular site.

disaffiliate from

Suggests a formal severing of connections or associations.

sunder from

A more forceful and permanent separation; often carries emotional weight.

FAQs

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

You can use "split off" to describe something separating from a larger entity, like: "The branch "split off" from the tree during the storm" or "The new department "split off" to focus on innovation".

What can I say instead of "split off"?

You can use alternatives like "break away", "separate out", or "spin off" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "splitting off" instead of "split off"?

Yes, "splitting off" is the present participle form of "split off", used in continuous tenses. For example, "The company is "splitting off" its subsidiary".

What's the difference between "split off" and "divided into"?

"Split off" implies separation from a larger entity, while "divided into" implies division within an entity. For instance, a company might ""split off"" a division, but a cake is "divided into" slices.