split on whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "split on whether" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that there are differing opinions or uncertainty about a particular issue or decision. Example: "The committee was split on whether to approve the new policy, with some members in favor and others against it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Members were initially split on whether it should be publicized.

The Washington Post

Respondents were evenly split on whether violence would increase or decrease after the end of apartheid.

Cornell University

Federal courts are split on whether polygraph results may be introduced.

The Washington Post

At the school yesterday, parents seemed split on whether the school officials did the right thing.

The New York Times

(They split on whether they would prefer a daily pill or a longer-term implant).

The New York Times - Health

Moreover, Iraq's leadership has been split on whether it wanted American forces to stay.

The Guardian

And the public are evenly split on whether the assembly should have taxation powers.

The Guardian - Opinion

Our panel was split on whether Harding's influence was waxing or waning.

The Guardian

In fact, even the pilots' leaders were said to be split on whether to grant concessions.

The New York Times

Economists and OPEC watchers are split on whether the oil problem will persist.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, legal opinion remains split on whether such a finding could be challenge.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "split on whether", ensure that the context clearly indicates the subject or issue about which opinions are divided. For example: "The committee was "split on whether" to approve the funding."

Common error

Avoid assuming that because a group is "split on whether" something is true, it necessarily implies an equal division. It simply means there is a notable disagreement, not necessarily a 50/50 split.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "split on whether" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating division or disagreement concerning a particular question or decision. It sets the stage for presenting opposing viewpoints. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

12%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "split on whether" is a versatile and frequently used expression to denote disagreement or division concerning a specific matter. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and commonly found in various sources, particularly News & Media and Academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the subject of disagreement and avoid equating a "split" with an equal division of opinion. For alternatives, consider using phrases like "divided on whether" or "disagreed about whether" to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

divided about whether

Replaces "split" with "divided", emphasizing the separation in opinion.

had conflicting opinions on whether

Directly states that opinions were in conflict.

disagreed about whether

Substitutes "split" with "disagreed", highlighting the conflicting viewpoints.

couldn't agree on whether

Highlights the inability to reach a consensus.

differed on the question of whether

Rephrases to focus on a "question" instead of a direct "whether", adding formality.

were in disagreement as to whether

Presents a formal way of indicating a lack of agreement.

held differing views on whether

Emphasizes the holding of different opinions, adding a slightly more formal tone.

were of two minds about whether

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate that people had conflicting thoughts.

remained undecided about whether

Focuses on the lack of a decision due to differing viewpoints.

contested whether

Implies a formal dispute or challenge regarding a specific point.

FAQs

How can I use "split on whether" in a sentence?

Use "split on whether" to indicate differing opinions or disagreement about a specific point. For example, "The board was "split on whether" to proceed with the merger."

What are some alternatives to saying "split on whether"?

You can use alternatives like "divided on whether", "disagreed about whether", or "held differing views on whether" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "split on whether"?

Yes, "split on whether" is grammatically correct and widely used in both formal and informal contexts to describe a divergence of opinion.

What's the difference between "split on whether" and "undecided about whether"?

"Split on whether" implies that there are opposing viewpoints, while "undecided about whether" suggests a lack of a firm opinion or decision. The former focuses on division, while the latter focuses on uncertainty.