Meaning trap
split up
divide into smaller groups
To separate something or a group of people into smaller parts or groups.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To separate something or a group of people into smaller parts or groups.
Another meaning of 'split up' is 'end a relationship'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
Let's split up into teams so we can finish the project faster.
During the group activity, the teacher asked us to split up into smaller groups to discuss the topic.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: Let's split up in two groups.
Say: Let's split up into two groups.
Split up INTO groups — not 'in'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Split up' is the natural verb for dividing people into groups; the formal version is heavy.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
split up + into
- into groups
- into teams
- into pairs
- the work
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- split up (end a relationship) — Another meaning of 'split up' is 'end a relationship'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.