split opinion

USAGE SUMMARY

"split opinion" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where people have different opinions on a particular subject or issue. For example: "The recent rise in tuition fees has split opinion amongst students and academics alike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Film

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His behaviour has split opinion.

The Guardian - Sport

That's the question and there is usually a split opinion.

The New York Times

The decision split opinion among housing leaders and finance directors.

The Guardian

Football fan No. 1: "Split opinion in this group".

The New Yorker

As with many of Platini's grandiose schemes, the pan-continental vision for 2020 has split opinion.

The Guardian - Sport

WR T.J. Graham, North Carolina State: We had a split opinion on Graham on Tuesday.

The New York Times

The issue also split opinion between two of Ukip's key figures.

Independent

Like all the best debates, the one surrounding the statue has split opinion.

The Guardian

The drama, set in Bristol, has split opinion so far between devotion and derision.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This seemed to split opinion but I liked it a lot.

The Guardian - Film

A new commission, Morgen und Abend, split opinion but was beautifully done.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "split opinion" when you want to clearly indicate that there are differing viewpoints on a subject, without necessarily implying strong conflict or animosity.

Common error

Avoid using "split opinion" when the situation involves uncertainty or lack of information rather than genuine disagreement. Use terms like "unresolved" or "uncertain" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "split opinion" functions as a descriptor indicating that a particular subject or event has caused disagreement or division among people. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically valid in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

15%

Film

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "split opinion" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe situations where different viewpoints exist on a particular subject. Ludwig's examples and analysis highlight its widespread use in news, sports, and film contexts. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is valid in English, and it effectively conveys the presence of disagreement or division. While alternatives such as "divided views" and "divergent opinions" exist, "split opinion" remains a clear and concise way to communicate the lack of consensus on a topic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

divided views

Emphasizes the presence of differing viewpoints.

divergent opinions

Highlights the distinct and separate nature of the opinions.

polarizing debate

Focuses on the divisive nature of the discussion.

conflicting perspectives

Underscores the clash between different viewpoints.

mixed reactions

Indicates a variety of responses, some positive and some negative.

varied viewpoints

Highlights the diversity of opinions on a subject.

differing stances

Focuses on the contrasting positions taken by individuals or groups.

discordant opinions

Emphasizes the lack of harmony among the opinions.

controversial topic

Points to the divisive nature of the subject matter.

unsettled question

Suggests that there is no consensus or agreement on the issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "split opinion" to describe a situation where people disagree on a topic. For example, "The new policy has "split opinion" among the employees."

What does it mean when something "splits opinion"?

When something "splits opinion", it means that people have different or opposing views about it. It indicates a lack of consensus or agreement.

What are some alternatives to "split opinion"?

Some alternatives to "split opinion" include "divided views", "divergent opinions", or "mixed reactions", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Both "split opinion" and "divided opinion" are acceptable. The choice depends on personal preference, although "split opinion" might slightly emphasize the active process of diverging views.