Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding the Phrasal Verb: Split Up

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'split up' means to divide or separate into parts or groups. It can refer to both physical separation or the ending of a relationship.

Examples in context

The band decided to split up after their final concert.
We need to split up the resources among all departments.
After hours of argument, the committee decided to split up into subgroups.

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'split up' means to divide or separate into parts or groups. It can refer to both physical separation or the ending of a relationship.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

Can separate the verb and particle with an object.

Neutral

Used in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires an object; something or someone must split up.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	split up	They often split up into smaller teams.
Past Simple	split up	The team split up after the project.
Present Continuous	splitting up	They are always splitting up into various groups.
Present Perfect	have split up	They have split up several times before.

💡 When to Use

Ending a romantic relationship

Use 'split up' to describe when a couple ends their romantic relationship.

Example: "They decided to split up after five years together."

Separating into groups

Use it to explain the division of a large group into smaller parts.

Example: "The children split up into teams for the game."

Dividing responsibilities

Employ it when distributing tasks among individuals or groups.

Example: "We split up the work to finish faster."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect usage as intransitive

❌ Wrong: We will split after lunch.

✅ Correct: We will split up after lunch.

💡 Tip: Remember 'split up' usually needs an object.

Misplaced object

❌ Wrong: They split the group up quickly.

✅ Correct: They split up the group quickly.

💡 Tip: Place the object after 'split up'.

Confusion with 'break up'

❌ Wrong: They broke up the team.

✅ Correct: They split up the team.

💡 Tip: 'Break up' typically refers to ending a relationship.

Practice

SPLIT UP - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

The band decided to split up after their final concert.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

We need to split up the resources among all departments.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

After hours of argument, the committee decided to split up into subgroups.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

divide separate

Antonyms

unite

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The group decided to ___ up to cover more ground."

unite

split up

join

merge

"When life asks you to split up, it may be the universe's way of preparing you for something greater and more fulfilling."

In Context

In 1960, The Beatles, a new band from Liverpool, struggled to find their footing. As their music evolved, tensions grew. Within the group, disputes over creative directions led them to split up into smaller factions, with Lennon and McCartney often working separately on lyrics and compositions. Making matters worse, their manager, Brian Epstein, passed away in 1967, leaving the band without crucial guidance. Despite these obstacles, The Beatles attempted to reunite their efforts while recording the 'White Album'. These sessions, however, exposed the widening rifts, causing them to split up frequently even during rehearsals. Through these turbulent times, the individual members began pursuing solo projects, hinting at desires for change and independence. In 1970, Paul McCartney announced his departure, officially marking the end of The Beatles. While the band's dissolution disappointed millions of fans, the split paved the way for each member to create influential solo music careers. Thus, The Beatles' decision to split up marked both an ending and a new beginning, demonstrating that even from separations, new legacies can emerge.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Split Up

What is the origin of split up?

The phrasal verb 'split up' comes from the Old English word 'spliten', meaning to break apart or divide. The verb 'split' has been used in English since the 16th century, with 'up' adding emphasis to the division or separation.

Can split up be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Split up' is suitable for both formal and informal contexts as it clearly describes separation or division. It is versatile and widely understood, making it appropriate for meetings, narratives, or everyday conversations.

What is the difference between split up and separate?

'Split up' often implies a more definitive or abrupt division, while 'separate' can suggest a more gentle or consensual act of division. 'Split up' is commonly used for ending relationships, whereas 'separate' is often about physical or organizational dividing.

Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

SPLIT UP - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Split Up

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega