The phrasal verb "split up" is primarily used in informal contexts, though it can occasionally appear in more formal settings depending on the context, such as in legal discussions regarding divorce. Generally, it is most commonly applied in personal and emotional contexts, referring to the ending of a romantic relationship or the division of a group into smaller parts. For example, people might say they "split up" with a partner to indicate a breakup, or a team may "split up" to tackle different tasks. It's often used conversationally due to its straightforward and easily understood meaning, making it a go-to phrase when discussing separation in various forms. The term is versatile and can be applied in both physical and metaphorical separations, enhancing its utility across different spoken and written situations.
B1
PreIntermediate
1. To divide something into smaller parts or groups.
They decided to split up the project into three smaller tasks.
The teacher split up the class into two groups for the activity.
2. To end a relationship or partnership.
After years together, they finally decided to split up.