was divided

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was divided" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been separated into parts or sections in the past. Example: "The territory was divided into several regions for better administration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Australia was divided.

The Economist

Opinion was divided.

The Economist

Dover was divided, too.

The New Yorker

Jewish leadership was divided.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Then Nato was divided.

The Guardian

The country was divided.

The New York Times

And Nicosia was divided.

The Guardian

But opinion was divided.

The Guardian

"Istanbul was divided," Ayhan said.

The New Yorker

Eventually it was divided up.

The New York Times - Food

But the government was divided.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was divided", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being divided and the basis for the division. For example, "The task was divided among the team members based on their expertise."

Common error

Avoid using "was divided" when an active voice would be clearer and more direct. For example, instead of "The cake was divided by John", use "John divided the cake".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was divided" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something underwent a process of separation or partition. This construction shifts the focus from the actor to the recipient of the action, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

9%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was divided" is a versatile passive verb phrase used to describe separation, disagreement, or allocation across a variety of contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. It appears most frequently in news, encyclopedias, and wiki sources, maintaining a neutral register. When writing, be mindful to use active voice when possible for clarity, and ensure the context clearly indicates what is being divided. Consider alternatives like "was separated" or "was split" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was separated

Replaces "divided" with "separated", focusing on the act of distinct separation.

was split

A simpler and more direct synonym for "divided", suitable for informal contexts.

was partitioned

Suggests a more formal or structured division, often used in political or geographical contexts.

was cleaved

Implies a sharp or forceful division.

was allocated

Focuses on the distribution aspect of division, particularly when resources or responsibilities are concerned.

was distributed

Similar to "allocated", but emphasizes the act of spreading something out after division.

was shared

Highlights the sharing of something after it has been divided.

existed dissent

This alternative is focused on expressing the idea of having disagreement instead of a separation.

there were disagreements

Expresses differing opinions or conflicting views instead of separation.

was खंडित

Expresses a cultural translation in Hindi, offering diversity of use for non-English speakers.

FAQs

How can I use "was divided" in a sentence?

Use "was divided" to describe something that has been separated into parts or when opinions differ. For example, "The book "was divided" into chapters", or "The committee "was divided" on the issue".

What are some alternatives to "was divided"?

Alternatives include "was separated", "was split", or "was partitioned", depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "divide"?

While "was divided" (passive) is grammatically correct, using the active voice (e.g., "they divided") can often make your writing more direct and concise, depending on the desired emphasis.

What's the difference between "was divided" and "disagreed"?

"Was divided" often implies a physical or structural separation, while "disagreed" refers to differing opinions. For example, "The territory "was divided" into regions", versus "The senators "disagreed" on the proposed law".