What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bifurcate
Example
The hiking trail bifurcates ahead, so we need to choose which path to take. [bifurcates: verb]
Example
The river bifurcated into two smaller streams as it flowed through the valley. [bifurcated: past tense]
split
Example
She split the apple in half with a knife. [split: verb]
Example
The company split into two separate entities after the disagreement. [split: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Split is more commonly used than bifurcate in everyday language. Split is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while bifurcate is less common and typically used in more specialized or technical fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bifurcate and split?
While bifurcate is more formal and commonly used in scientific or academic contexts, split is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal situations.