What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
breakup
Example
They had a difficult breakup and decided to go their separate ways. [breakup: noun]
Example
She broke up with her boyfriend because they were no longer compatible. [broke up: past tense verb]
split
Example
They decided to split the bill evenly between them. [split: verb]
Example
After years of struggling, they finally made the difficult decision to split up. [split up: phrasal verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Breakup is more commonly used than split in everyday language, especially when referring to the end of a romantic relationship. Split is less common but still widely understood and can be used in various contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between breakup and split?
While breakup is generally considered more informal and casual, split can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it a more versatile word.