A split infinitive occurs when an adverb or other modifier is placed between the to and the verb in a sentence. For example, the sentence "I wanted to quickly leave" contains a split infinitive because the adverb quickly is placed between the to and the verb leave. While split infinitives are technically grammatically incorrect, they are very common in everyday speech and writing. In most cases, split infinitives can be easily rewritten to avoid the error. For example, the previous sentence could be rewritten as "I wanted to leave quickly." However, there are some cases where rewriting a sentence to avoid a split infinitive would significantly change the meaning of the sentence. In these cases, it is best to leave the split infinitive as is.
How can you tell if a sentence sounds better with or without a split infinitive?
There is no single answer to this question since it depends on individual preferences and style. However, there are some general guidelines that may be useful. In general, shorter sentences tend to sound better without split infinitives, while longer sentences can often benefit from them. Additionally, it is usually preferable to avoid split infinitives when the subject of the sentence is unknown or unimportant.
Some people argue that split infinitives sound more natural, while others find them to be awkward or incorrect. Ultimately, it is up to the writer to decide which sounds better in each individual case. However, it is generally advisable to err on the side of caution and avoid split infinitives whenever possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should writers avoid splitting an infinitive?
When a sentence is already clear and splitting the infinitive makes it sound awkward, the writer should avoid doing so. Creating too much information between the two parts of the infinitive can also be a problem, as can confusing readers.
Is a split infinitive necessary for revision?
No, a split infinitive is not necessary for revision.
Which revisions are necessary to make the sentences stronger and clearer?
Revise it to eliminate the split infinitive.
How do you fix a split infinitive?
Replace "split" with "join" or "adjoin."
When should you split infinitives?
There is no hard and fast rule, but you should split infinitives if it sounds awkward. This rule can be broken if it feels unnatural or if the meaning of the sentence clearly requires a singular verb form. It’s also important to bear in mind the rhythm of the sentence when deciding whether or not to split an infinitive. When splitting an infinitive, try to preserve a natural rhythm by keeping words split evenly.
