Can I subdivide vertices in a single direction? Is it possible to almost duplicate or split vertices but keep them part of the edge that that they're on? Subdividing basically works, but if I try to do multiple edges at once, it does it in all locations. I can do it by subdividing and then dissolving the leftover vertices or by subdividing alone and then connecting the vertices, but is there an easier way?

The closest thing that I've found is "Loop Cut and Slide", but that just creates new vertices only connected to the ones I did it from instead of inserting new vertices in the edges.

For example, if I have this mesh:


I would like to do this:


If I select the vertices on the other side and subdivide it, it gives me this though:


Is there an easier way to do this?
CtrlTab > Edge. Then subdivide as you want.

Comparison: