Meaning trap

split up

end a relationship

When two people split up, they stop being a couple or end their romantic relationship.

phrasal verbB1common

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

end a relationship

When two people split up, they stop being a couple or end their romantic relationship.

split up (divide into smaller groups)

Another meaning of 'split up' is 'divide into smaller groups'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

After dating for three years, they decided to split up.relationships
I think it's normal for some couples to split up if they have very different goals in life.IELTS speaking

Pattern: split up (with someone)

WrongShe split up her boyfriend.

RightShe split up with her boyfriend.

You split up WITH someone — don't drop 'with'.

Patternsplit up (with someone)

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff My partner and I terminated our romantic relationship.

Natural We split up last year.

'Split up' is the everyday verb for a couple breaking up; the formal version is cold.

Words that usually travel with it.

'Split up' can also mean to divide into smaller groups, not just ending relationships.

split up (divide into smaller groups) — Another meaning of 'split up' is 'divide into smaller groups'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.