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Prepositions after verbs

Divide into or divide by?

Use divide into for separating something into parts or groups. Use divide by in mathematics when calculating a quotient.

Quick answer

Divide into vs. divide by

Divide into describes splitting something into sections, categories, or groups. Divide by is used in arithmetic to show the number used for division.

The class was divided into small teams.
You divide 20 by 4 to get 5.
The book is divided into three parts.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
divide into + parts

Separating something into sections

Use divide into when breaking a whole into smaller units or categories.

The report is divided into five chapters.
The students divided into discussion groups.
2
divide by + number

Performing mathematical division

Use divide by to indicate the number used in a division calculation.

Multiply first, then divide by 10.
You can divide 81 by 9 easily.
3
divide between + people

Sharing something among recipients

Use divide between when something is shared by two sides or groups.

The profits were divided between the partners.
Time was divided between work and study.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
divide into
The island is divided into regions.
splitting a whole into sections or groups
divide by
Divide 100 by 5.
mathematical operation
divide between
The tasks were divided between the two teams.
sharing or distributing
divide among
The prize money was divided among the winners.
distribution across several recipients

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using divide by for grouping

Use into when talking about parts or categories.

✕ The class was divided by three groups. ✓ The class was divided into three groups.

Using divide into in arithmetic

Mathematical division uses by.

✕ Divide 24 into 6. ✓ Divide 24 by 6.

Confusing between and among

Between is often used for two groups, while among is common for several.

✕ The money was divided between the five winners. ✓ The money was divided among the five winners.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The novel is divided ___ four sections.
2. To find the answer, divide 45 ___ 9.
3. The work was divided ___ the two departments.

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Frequently asked questions

Can divide into be used in passive sentences?

Yes. For example: The course is divided into six modules.

Is divide by only for mathematics?

Mostly yes. It is strongly associated with arithmetic and calculations.

What is the difference between divide between and divide among?

Between often refers to two parties, while among is more common for larger groups.

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