Why are split infinitives often considered incorrect in English grammar?

Split infinitives are often considered incorrect due to a traditional prescriptive rule based on Latin grammar, where infinitives are single words. In English, splitting infinitives became frowned upon in the 19th century, although modern usage increasingly accepts them for clarity and emphasis.

Can split infinitives ever be grammatically correct?

Yes, split infinitives can be grammatically correct. Modern English usage accepts split infinitives, and they often improve clarity or emphasis in a sentence. Traditional grammar rules disapproved of them, but language has evolved, allowing flexibility in such constructions.

What are some famous examples of split infinitives in English?

A famous example of a split infinitive is from the opening narration of the Star Trek series: "To boldly go where no man has gone before." Another example is in the phrase "to really understand," where "really" splits the infinitive "to understand."

How can I identify a split infinitive in a sentence?

A split infinitive occurs when an adverb or other word is inserted between "to" and the base form of a verb. To identify it, look for sentences where these elements are separated, like "to boldly go" instead of "to go boldly."

How have attitudes toward split infinitives changed over time in English grammar?

Attitudes toward split infinitives have relaxed over time. Initially considered grammatically incorrect, they are now widely accepted in modern English for their clarity and rhythm, especially when the split avoids awkwardness. Traditionalists may still prefer to avoid them, but the stigma has significantly diminished.

Why did some 19th-century grammarians oppose split infinitives?

They thought split infinitives caused confusion in sentence meaning.

What is a split infinitive in English grammar?

It's when verbs are used without 'to' in sentences.

Why were split infinitives traditionally resisted?

They remove necessary rhythm or emphasis from sentences.

What is a key reason for using split infinitives in English?

They are required in all formal English writing.

In what context are split infinitives particularly useful?

In scientific reports to remove ambiguity and add precision.

Why were split infinitives traditionally criticized?

They were seen as the same as not using verbs, which caused ambiguity.

Split Infinitives: Definition & Examples

Split infinitives

A split infinitive occurs when an adverb or other word interrupts the "to" and the verb in an infinitive, such as "to boldly go." Though often debated, split infinitives can enhance clarity and emphasize particular words, and they are generally accepted in modern English usage. To effectively use split infinitives, ensure they improve the sentence's fluidity or clarity.

Get started

What is a Split Infinitive?

A split infinitive occurs when a word, typically an adverb, is placed between the word 'to' and the base form of a verb. In English grammar, split infinitives can be a debated topic, but they are commonly used to add emphasis or clarity. Understanding split infinitives is useful for improving your sentence structure skills.

Split Infinitives in English

A split infinitive is formed by inserting an adverb or other word between 'to' and the verb. Here's what that looks like:

'To boldly go' instead of 'To go boldly.'
'To quickly decide' instead of 'To decide quickly.'

Originally, some believed that split infinitives should be avoided, as they can seem awkward. However, they have become more acceptable in modern usage, especially when they enhance clarity or emphasis.

Split Infinitive – It is a construction that involves placing an adverb or another word between 'to' and the base form of a verb. For example, 'to quickly run' is a split infinitive.

Consider the sentence: 'She decided to quickly run towards the finish line.' Here, 'quickly' splits the infinitive 'to run.' This structure conveys speed, emphasizing the action.

If avoiding a split infinitive makes your sentence awkward or unclear, it's okay to use one!

Traditionally, split infinitives were proscribed due to comparison with Latin grammar, where an infinitive is a single word and cannot be split. This led to some prescriptivist notions in English around split infinitives as well. However, English differs significantly from Latin, allowing more flexibility in its structure. Notably, split infinitives can accommodate emphasis and rhythm in a sentence, empowering writers to use them effectively for style and clarity. Besides clarity, split infinitives can help convey meaning delicately when avoiding them changes the sentence's intended emphasis.

What is a Split Infinitive?

A split infinitive occurs when a word, usually an adverb, is inserted between 'to' and the verb's base form. This grammatical structure is often used to add emphasis or clarity to a sentence, making it a valuable tool in English writing.

Split Infinitives Explained

In English, a split infinitive is recognized when you find a word separating 'to' from its verb partner. Traditionally, some viewed split infinitives negatively, considering them awkward, but their use is now much more common. This is mainly because they can enhance the precision and emphasis of sentences.

Look at the following examples to understand better:

'To boldly go' rather than 'To go boldly'.
'To quickly decide' instead of 'To decide quickly'.

Although guidelines for split infinitives were once stricter, contemporary writers may use them freely, especially when they improve the clarity or expressiveness of a sentence.

Examine this example: 'She decided to quickly run towards the finish line.' In this sentence, 'quickly' splits the infinitive 'to run,' emphasizing the action's speed, thus enhancing the sentence's impact.

Split Infinitive – A construction where an adverb or another word is inserted between 'to' and a verb's base form. For example, 'to quickly run' is an instance of a split infinitive.

When avoiding a split infinitive makes your sentence less clear or awkward, feel free to use one!

Historically, split infinitives were shunned due to a comparison to Latin, where the infinitive is indivisible. This lent prescriptivist grammarians to frown upon split infinitives in English. However, English grammar is more flexible and accommodating, permitting structures that enhance communication. Split infinitives help in framing sentences to better reflect the writer's intent, adding to their capability for expression. Rather than adhere strictly to outdated norms, their modern acceptance supports creative freedom in writing. By leveraging split infinitives correctly, you can meet both clarity and stylistic demands in language use.

Split Infinitive Example

Split infinitives, while sometimes debated in formal writing, play a significant role in everyday English by helping to clearly express meaning. Let’s look into how split infinitives function within sentences and explore examples to understand their usage better.

Consider the sentence: 'To boldly go where no one has gone before.' This famous phrase from Star Trek uses the split infinitive 'to boldly go' to emphasize the bold action of the subject.

Here's another example to illustrate how split infinitives can enhance clarity:

'She tried to adequately prepare for the exam.' — Without splitting, the sentence might read, 'She tried to prepare adequately for the exam,' with less emphasis on her preparation's adequacy.

In each example, the inserted word shifts the nuance of the action, allowing for more precise communication.

Remember, while some traditionalists might avoid split infinitives, they are entirely acceptable when they improve clarity or maintain the rhythm of the sentence.

Though split infinitives are now common, they once faced resistance in traditional grammar circles. This resistance stemmed from comparisons to Latin, where tight verb formations precluded splitting. As English evolves, the flexibility of allowing split infinitives supports linguistic creativity and clarity. In some cases, avoiding a split infinitive could lead to less natural sentence structures, which might confuse the reader or disrupt the flow of text.

Together with rhythm and emphasis, split infinitives serve as an effective tool in delivering impactful statements. When crafting sentences, especially in creative or narrative work, consider whether a split infinitive might suit your purpose better than a strictly linear arrangement.

Importance of Split Infinitives in Writing

Split infinitives have become an essential component of modern English writing. They offer flexibility and precision, allowing writers to effectively communicate nuanced ideas and enhance readability. Understanding their importance can significantly improve your writing skills.

Enhancing Sentence Clarity

Using split infinitives can make sentences clearer and more direct. By placing an adverb between 'to' and the verb, you can explicitly indicate the primary action being described. This directness helps convey the intended meaning effectively.

For example, consider:

'She intended to immediately address the issue.' — This placement emphasizes the urgency of her action.

Creating Emphasis and Style

Split infinitives allow you to place emphasis on certain elements in a sentence, adding style and rhythm. This is particularly useful in literary and creative writing, where expression and impact are key goals.

Writers often use split infinitives to:

Highlight urgency – 'To promptly respond was crucial.'
Focus on intention – 'To actively participate made a difference.'

Analyze this sentence: 'They decided to boldly venture into the unknown.' Here, the placement of 'boldly' emphasizes the courageous nature of their decision, enhancing the sentence's impact.

When a split infinitive improves clarity, it's generally acceptable to use it, even in formal writing contexts.

The flexibility of English allows writers to use split infinitives as a storytelling tool. They break from traditional grammar rules, offering creative freedom and fostering more engaging narratives. By strategically placing words, split infinitives can influence the reader's perception of timing and intent.

Example in Literature: In Star Trek, 'To boldly go where no one has gone before' utilizes a split infinitive that has become iconic, demonstrating its memorable and rhythmic quality. The intentional splitting shifts the focus and creates a strong, motivational call to action.

History of Split Infinitives

The history of split infinitives in English grammar is quite fascinating. Split infinitives have been both embraced and criticized over time. Understanding the historical context of split infinitives can provide insight into why they attract such varied opinions.

Early Usage and Perceptions

Split infinitives first appeared in the English language during the 13th century. Initially, their usage was sporadic and lacked clear acceptance among grammarians. As English evolved, so did its grammar rules, and this evolution played a significant role in how split infinitives were perceived.

In the 19th century, some English grammar authorities began opposing split infinitives, influenced by comparisons to Latin, a language without split infinitive structures.

Split Infinitive – A grammatical construction where an adverb or another word is placed between 'to' and a verb, such as 'to boldly go.'

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there was a movement driven by prescriptive linguists who sought to standardize English grammar. This movement often drew on classical languages like Latin as models for correctness, dismissing split infinitives due to their non-existence in Latin. This period marked a formalization of the English language, with an emphasis on adhering to rules that sometimes disregarded the natural fluidity of English.

For a time, many writers and editors avoided split infinitives to conform to these prescriptive norms. However, as modern linguistics recognizes, English is not bound by Latin’s syntactic constraints, allowing room for structures like split infinitives that can highlight nuances and improve sentence readability.

Despite historical opposition, split infinitives are entirely acceptable in modern English, especially when they add clarity or emphasis.

Modern Understanding and Acceptance

In contemporary English, the rigid avoidance of split infinitives has relaxed considerably. Today’s language experts understand the value that split infinitives can add by enhancing clarity and allowing emphasis on certain parts of a sentence.

Split infinitives are now a stylistic choice in writing, often used to convey precise meanings or maintain a rhythm that appeals to modern readers. Their acceptance reflects a broader trend towards flexibility and descriptivism in understanding grammar, favoring communication effectiveness over strict adherence to archaic rules.

Split infinitives - Key takeaways

Split Infinitive Definition: A split infinitive happens when an adverb or another word is placed between 'to' and the base form of a verb, such as 'to quickly run'.
Examples of Split Infinitives: 'To boldly go' instead of 'To go boldly' is a famous example; another example is 'to adequately prepare' instead of 'to prepare adequately'.
History of Split Infinitives: Originally shunned due to comparisons with Latin, where infinitives can't be split, they faced opposition by some 19th-century grammarians.
Modern Acceptance: Today, split infinitives are accepted and often used to enhance clarity or emphasis in writing, reflecting more flexible English grammar rules.
Importance in Writing: Split infinitives can enhance sentence clarity, add emphasis, and allow for stylistic expression especially in creative writing.

Split infinitives

StudySmarter Editorial Team