در ۱۵ ثانیه
- Used to say experts disagree on a specific topic or fact.
- Perfect for academic writing, formal reports, and serious debates.
- Signals that a question has no single, simple answer yet.
معنی
This phrase is a polite way to say that experts cannot agree on a specific topic. It suggests that there are two or more valid sides to an argument and no one has the final answer yet.
مثالهای کلیدی
3 از 6Writing a university history essay
Scholarly opinion is divided on the primary causes of the industrial revolution.
Scholarly opinion is divided on the primary causes of the industrial revolution.
Discussing a new health trend with a colleague
Scholarly opinion is divided on the long-term effects of this specific diet.
Scholarly opinion is divided on the long-term effects of this specific diet.
Reporting on a scientific discovery
Scholarly opinion is divided on whether these fossils represent a new species.
Scholarly opinion is divided on whether these fossils represent a new species.
زمینه فرهنگی
British scholars often use this phrase as a form of 'understatement.' It is a polite way to say that someone else's theory is probably wrong without being directly confrontational. In the US, this phrase is frequently used in 'prestige' media (like the New York Times) to avoid accusations of bias. It signals that the journalist is presenting a balanced view. German academic tradition is very rigorous. Using the equivalent of this phrase signals that you have read all the relevant 'Literatur' (literature) and are aware of the 'Streit' (dispute). In international science, this phrase is a 'safety' marker. It protects a researcher from making absolute claims that could be debunked by future data.
The 'Whether' Trick
If you aren't sure how to end the sentence, use 'whether.' For example: 'Scholarly opinion is divided on whether [Option A] or [Option B].' It always sounds professional.
Don't Overuse It
In a 2000-word essay, only use this phrase once or twice. If you use it more, it starts to look like you don't have any of your own opinions.
در ۱۵ ثانیه
- Used to say experts disagree on a specific topic or fact.
- Perfect for academic writing, formal reports, and serious debates.
- Signals that a question has no single, simple answer yet.
What It Means
Scholarly opinion is divided on is a high-level way to say 'nobody knows for sure.' It implies that very smart people have looked at the data and reached different conclusions. Use it when you want to sound objective and balanced. It shows you recognize the complexity of a situation. It moves the conversation away from simple 'yes' or 'no' answers.
How To Use It
Place this phrase at the start of a sentence to introduce a debate. You usually follow it with whether, the question of, or the origins of. For example: Scholarly opinion is divided on whether coffee is actually healthy. It acts as a shield. It protects you from taking a side too early. It makes you sound like a careful thinker who does their homework.
When To Use It
You will mostly use this in academic writing or serious journalism. It is perfect for university essays or business reports. Use it during a presentation when a colleague asks a tricky question. It works well when you want to sound sophisticated at a dinner party. It’s the ultimate 'intellectual' way to avoid being wrong.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for simple, factual things. Don't say it if you're deciding where to eat lunch. Scholarly opinion is divided on whether we should get pizza sounds ridiculous. Avoid it in very casual texts with close friends unless you are being sarcastic. It can feel cold or overly robotic in emotional conversations. If your partner asks if you love them, do not use this phrase. Trust me on that one.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the Western tradition of 'disputation' and peer review. In English-speaking academia, disagreeing is actually seen as a sign of progress. We love a good debate! It reflects a culture that values evidence over raw authority. It became popular in the 20th century as science became more specialized. It’s now a staple of BBC documentaries and high-end news outlets like The Economist.
Common Variations
If you want to mix it up, try Expert opinion is split. You can also say The jury is still out on... for a more legal feel. In casual settings, people just say It's up for debate. If you want to be even fancier, use There is no consensus among academics regarding... These all carry the same 'we don't know yet' energy.
نکات کاربردی
This is a C2-level expression. It is strictly formal and should be used when you want to appear objective, educated, and cautious about making definitive claims.
The 'Whether' Trick
If you aren't sure how to end the sentence, use 'whether.' For example: 'Scholarly opinion is divided on whether [Option A] or [Option B].' It always sounds professional.
Don't Overuse It
In a 2000-word essay, only use this phrase once or twice. If you use it more, it starts to look like you don't have any of your own opinions.
The 'Polite No'
In a meeting, if someone asks for a definitive answer you don't have, this phrase is a great way to say 'I don't know' without sounding ignorant.
مثالها
6Scholarly opinion is divided on the primary causes of the industrial revolution.
Scholarly opinion is divided on the primary causes of the industrial revolution.
This introduces a balanced view of historical theories.
Scholarly opinion is divided on the long-term effects of this specific diet.
Scholarly opinion is divided on the long-term effects of this specific diet.
Adds a layer of authority to a casual health discussion.
Scholarly opinion is divided on whether these fossils represent a new species.
Scholarly opinion is divided on whether these fossils represent a new species.
Standard usage in science journalism to show ongoing debate.
Look, scholarly opinion is divided on whether that sequel was actually good.
Look, scholarly opinion is divided on whether that sequel was actually good.
Using a very formal phrase for a trivial topic creates humor.
Scholarly opinion is divided on how the economy will react to these changes.
Scholarly opinion is divided on how the economy will react to these changes.
Shows the speaker is well-informed about expert forecasts.
Scholarly opinion is divided on the definition of consciousness.
Scholarly opinion is divided on the definition of consciousness.
Appropriate for deep, abstract, and emotional intellectual debates.
خودت رو بسنج
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition.
Scholarly opinion is divided ___ the impact of social media on teenage mental health.
The standard colocation for this phrase is 'divided on.'
Which sentence is most appropriate for a formal academic paper?
Choose the best option:
This option uses the correct formal register and vocabulary.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate context.
Where would you most likely see 'Scholarly opinion is divided on...'?
The phrase is highly formal and academic.
Complete the dialogue with the most professional response.
Professor: 'Is there a consensus on the date of the eruption?' Student: 'Actually, ___.'
This response shows academic maturity and uses the target phrase correctly.
🎉 امتیاز: /4
ابزارهای بصری یادگیری
Register Comparison
بانک تمرین
4 تمرینهاScholarly opinion is divided ___ the impact of social media on teenage mental health.
The standard colocation for this phrase is 'divided on.'
Choose the best option:
This option uses the correct formal register and vocabulary.
Where would you most likely see 'Scholarly opinion is divided on...'?
The phrase is highly formal and academic.
Professor: 'Is there a consensus on the date of the eruption?' Student: 'Actually, ___.'
This response shows academic maturity and uses the target phrase correctly.
🎉 امتیاز: /4
سوالات متداول
10 سوالYes, if the topic is specifically about science. 'Scholarly' is broader and covers history, literature, and social sciences too.
Both are grammatically correct, but 'on' is much more common in formal academic writing.
Yes, if you are discussing a complex strategy or market research. It makes you sound very well-prepared.
No, it just means they have different intellectual conclusions. It doesn't imply a personal argument.
'Split' is slightly less formal. 'Divided' is the gold standard for academic papers.
The phrase still works! 'Divided' doesn't just mean two parts; it means the whole group is not united.
Yes, 'regarding' is a very good, formal alternative to 'on.'
It is used equally in both. It is a universal feature of Global Academic English.
Usually, you should then explain the two main sides. 'On one hand, some argue... on the other hand, others suggest...'
Only if you are talking about the *statistics* or *history* of sports in a serious way. Otherwise, it's too formal.
عبارات مرتبط
The jury is still out
similarA decision or consensus has not yet been reached.
A matter of debate
similarSomething that people have different opinions about.
Lack of consensus
synonymWhen a group cannot agree on something.
Bone of contention
relatedA specific point that causes an argument.
Academic exercise
contrastSomething that is only of theoretical interest and has no practical value.
