分割結構是英語表達中經常出現的一種句法，其作用是保持句子平衡，避免頭重腳輕或為了語義嚴密，結構緊湊，將語法關系密切的兩個句子成分(如主語和謂語)用其他句子成分分隔開來。英語的分隔必須遵循兩點：①尾重原則，即把長而復雜的成分放在句末；②句尾信息焦點原則，即把新信息、語義重點放在句尾。

　　例1 In the Middle Ages widespread use was made of arguments from analogy, on the belief that the universe formed an ordered structure that the macrocosmic pattern of the whole is reproduced in the microcosmic pattern of parts so that it is possible to draw inferences by analogy from one to the other。

　　例2 And numerous experiments have shown once the concept of self is changed, other things consistent with the new concept of self are accomplished easily and without strain。