Using Caution with Split Infinitives
Writing about verbs, as it turns out, is a massive chore.
So there I was, writing a blog post about verbs, when I went to discuss split infinitives, transforming my 500-word blog post into a 2,000-word monster.
Therefore, I’ve broken out the topic into its own post. Like, yeah, again. Let’s not waste any time!
First — Infinitives
Just to recap from my discussion on verbs, the infinitive form of a verb is its most basic, uninflected form, typically preceded by the word to. It represents the verb in its purest state, without indicating tense, mood, or subject. In English, infinitives often appear as to + verb, such as to run, to eat, to write.
Examples:
to run (infinitive)
to speak (infinitive)
to see (infinitive)
Uses of Infinitives:
As the subject of a sentence:
To read is my favorite hobby.
As the object of a verb:
She wants to learn French.
To express purpose:
I went to the store to buy groceries.
Infinitives can also appear without to, especially after certain verbs like can, must, and let (e.g., She can dance), and are referred to as "bare infinitives."
Common Pitfall: The Split Infinitive
Okay, a split infinitive is when we insert an adverb or word between to and the verb (e.g., to boldly go). While it’s not a hard rule today, and you can split infinitives when it feels more natural, keeping infinitives intact often sounds cleaner.
Traditional: To go boldly into the unknown.
Modern: To boldly go into the unknown. (This works just fine too!)
He promised to quickly finish the report. (See how quickly separates the infinitive to finish?)
They want to completely redo the project. (The infinitive, to redo, is separated by completely.)
Why the Fuss Over Split Infinitives?
The controversy around split infinitives stems from a long-standing rule in traditional English grammar. This rule was borrowed from Latin, where infinitives are single, indivisible words (e.g., amare for to love), so they can’t be split. They’re like solid Lego. You can’t cut a Lego brick in half! That’s absurd!
However, since English is a much more flexible language, this rule is not as hard and fast. For a long time, dusty grammarians (yes, there’s an excellent word) insisted on avoiding split infinitives, encouraging people to rewrite sentences so that to and the verb stayed together. In modern usage, split infinitives are more accepted, and the "rule" is often considered outdated.
When Using a Split Infinitive is Peachy Keen …
When Using Them for Emphasis: Splitting the infinitive can add emphasis or create a specific rhythm that improves the sentence. Example:
To really understand the problem, you must look deeper.
Moving really changes the tone: Really to understand the problem or To understand the problem really feels awkward or changes the focus of the sentence.
Natural Flow: Sometimes, splitting the infinitive sounds better. For example, the famous Star Trek phrase "to boldly go" feels much more natural and impactful than the alternatives.
… And When Using a Split Infinitive is Problematic.
Clarity: Sometimes, a split infinitive can confuse the reader or complicate the sentence.
Confusing: She decided to quickly, without hesitation, eat the last slice.
Better: She decided to eat the last slice quickly, without hesitation.
Formal Writing: Some readers may frown upon split infinitives if you write for a formal or academic audience. To play it safe, you might avoid them in these contexts.
How to Correct Split Infinitives
To correct a split infinitive, move the adverb or other modifying word splitting the infinitive (to + verb) so that the "to" and the verb stay together.
Example of a Split Infinitive:
She wants to quickly finish her homework.
Correction Option 1: Move the Adverb After the Infinitive
She wants to finish her homework quickly.
Correction Option 2: Move the Adverb Before the Infinitive
She wants quickly to finish her homework.
Both options are grammatically correct, though option 1 typically sounds more natural in modern writing. The goal is to keep the sentence flowing smooth while maintaining the emphasis you want to achieve.
However, remember that split infinitives are often acceptable in modern English, especially if they sound more natural or improve clarity. It’s more about balance and the overall effect on readability!
Here’s some advice. Before submitting your work to a contest judge or a publishing editor, throw it scene-by-scene into an AI engine and ask it to look for split infinitives. Review each one. Maybe there’s a better way (a more direct way) to say something? Find out!
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