Meaning trap
split up
end a relationship
When two people split up, they stop being a couple or end their romantic relationship.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
When two people split up, they stop being a couple or end their romantic relationship.
Another meaning of 'split up' is 'divide into smaller groups'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
After dating for three years, they decided to split up.
I think it's normal for some couples to split up if they have very different goals in life.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: She split up her boyfriend.
Say: She split up with her boyfriend.
You split up WITH someone — don't drop 'with'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Split up' is the everyday verb for a couple breaking up; the formal version is cold.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
split up + with
- with him
- last year
- for good
- over money
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- split up (divide into smaller groups) — Another meaning of 'split up' is 'divide into smaller groups'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.