split the difference between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "split the difference between" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in negotiations or discussions to indicate finding a compromise or middle ground between two differing positions or amounts. Example: "After much discussion, we decided to split the difference between our two offers to reach an agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Sports

Politics

Negotiations

Technology

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We cannot split the difference between a centralised state and devolution of power and resources.

The Guardian - Opinion

My favorite summer pasta toppings split the difference between salad and sauce.

The New York Times - Food

"We made an offer today to split the difference between the two sides.

The New York Times - Sports

Palate-cleansing sorbets made with shiso and yuzu split the difference between France and Japan neatly down the middle.

The New York Times - Arts

The party once sought to split the difference between free-market capitalism and democratic socialism by taking the "third way".

The Guardian - Opinion

For three years, the Administration has split the difference between these two poles, committing itself halfheartedly to Iraq.

The New Yorker

Split the difference between 15 quid and £16.50; the fact is that blockbuster exhibitions are becoming a costly day out.

The Guardian - Arts

The settlement split the difference between Houston's offer of $2 million and Cedeno's request for $2.8 million.

The New York Times - Sports

Split the difference between the two calculations and you have £1.7bn, so the leave campaign's figure seems fair enough.

The Guardian

Shuvel, with two nasal rappers, tried to split the difference between Rage Against the Machine and the early Beastie Boys.

The New York Times - Arts

This group has an arsenal of plain-spoken love songs that split the difference between roots-rock and Brit-pop.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "split the difference between" to indicate fairness or compromise, suggesting that both parties involved are making equal concessions.

Common error

Avoid using "split the difference between" when one party is clearly in the wrong or when the compromise would create an unethical outcome. This phrase should imply fairness, not enabling poor behavior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "split the difference between" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of finding a middle ground or compromise. It suggests a negotiation or averaging of two differing values or positions, as showcased by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Arts

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "split the difference between" is a versatile and frequently employed expression, primarily used to describe the act of finding a compromise or middle ground, with Ludwig showcasing this across numerous examples. Grammatically sound and applicable in varied contexts, it is deemed correct and suitable for expressing fairness in negotiations. While its register is generally neutral, its usage spans across news, arts, and business sectors, and is considered to be very common. Use this phrase thoughtfully, always clarifying the items being mediated and ensuring the resulting compromise aligns with ethical standards. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread acceptance and utility in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

find a middle ground between

Highlights the act of discovering a position that satisfies both parties to some extent.

meet halfway between

Implies a mutual concession to reach a point equidistant from both original positions.

find a compromise between

Focuses on reaching a mutually acceptable agreement through concessions.

go halfway between

Similar to "meet halfway", indicating mutual concession.

strike a balance between

Suggests achieving equilibrium between conflicting elements or viewpoints.

agree to a midpoint between

Emphasizes a formal agreement on a value or position situated midway.

settle for something in between

Conveys accepting a result that lies between two extremes.

negotiate a middle term between

Focuses on the process of discussion to achieve a compromise.

find common ground between

Focuses on discovering shared beliefs, interests, or objectives as a basis for agreement.

reach a consensus between

Suggests a collective agreement, often involving discussion and adjustment of viewpoints.

FAQs

How can I use "split the difference between" in a sentence?

You can use "split the difference between" to suggest finding a compromise. For example, "Let's "find a compromise between" our initial offers and agree on a fair price".

What's a simple way to rephrase "split the difference between"?

A simpler way to say "split the difference between" is to "meet halfway" or "find a middle ground".

When is it appropriate to use "split the difference between"?

It's appropriate when you want to suggest a fair solution where each party concedes equally to reach an agreement or when you have two options and want to find something that combines their best aspects. If you want to "strike a balance between" the options, you can say that.

Is "split the difference between" formal or informal?

"Split the difference between" is generally considered neutral and suitable for both informal and formal contexts, depending on the setting.