we split up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we split up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of ending a relationship or separating from a group. Example: "After several years together, we decided it was best for both of us to split up and pursue our own paths."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We split up after that.

Independent

"We split up.

The Guardian

We split up into teams.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When she refused, we split up.

The New York Times

Soon after that we split up.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We split up a long time ago".

The Guardian - Books

Eventually, feeling commitment but little more, we split up.

Cornell University

Then we split up the tasks of writing the code.

Cornell University

We split up the code between our 2 different microcontrollers.

Cornell University

Then, just a few years later, we split up.

The New York Times

Should we order something — or do we split up?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about ending relationships, consider adding context to clarify the nature and reasons for the separation.

Common error

Avoid using "we split up" interchangeably with phrases like "we broke up" or "we parted ways" without considering the specific nuance you want to convey. "Broke up" typically refers to romantic relationships, while "parted ways" suggests a more amicable or general separation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we split up" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of separating or dividing. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness. It is used to describe the end of a relationship, a division of a group into smaller units, or a separation of paths.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

22%

Lifestyle

19%

Less common in

Music

11%

Books

11%

Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we split up" is a versatile verb phrase used to denote separation or division, applicable in both personal and professional contexts. Ludwig confirms it's grammatically correct and very commonly used. It's register is neutral, so it's widely usable but be aware of more formal expressions such as "we dissolved our partnership" or "we ceased collaboration" when writing in a professional environment. Remember to consider the specific nuance you want to convey to ensure your writing is well understood. The most authoritative sources where "we split up" can be found include The Guardian, The New York Times and Cornell University.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we broke up

Focuses specifically on the end of a romantic relationship.

we parted ways

Implies a formal or amicable separation, not necessarily romantic.

we went our separate ways

Highlights the divergence of paths or directions after a shared period.

we separated

Suggests a physical or emotional distance, sometimes temporary.

we dissolved our partnership

More formal, indicates the end of a business or collaborative relationship.

we ceased collaboration

Indicates the end of a cooperative effort.

we ceased to be a couple

Emphasizes the end of a romantic connection.

we divided into groups

Refers to forming smaller sections within a larger entity.

we branched out

Suggests diverging into different areas or activities.

we disaggregated

Formal term for separating into component parts.

FAQs

What's the difference between "we split up" and "we broke up"?

"We split up" is a general term for separation, applicable to various contexts, including romantic relationships, partnerships, or teams. "We broke up", on the other hand, specifically refers to the end of a romantic relationship.

What can I say instead of "we split up"?

You can use alternatives like "we parted ways" (for amicable separations), "we separated" (for formal or temporary separations), or "we divided into groups" (for splitting into smaller teams).

Is "we split up" formal or informal?

"We split up" is generally considered informal to neutral in tone. While acceptable in most contexts, more formal situations might benefit from phrases like "we dissolved our partnership" or "we ceased collaboration".

How to use "we split up" in a sentence?

You can use "we split up" in sentences like, "After the project, we split up and pursued individual goals", or "We realized we were no longer compatible, so we split up".