Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Split Infinitives: To Boldly Go Where Everyone Has Gone Before


Carmen e-mailed in with a question that every writer has asked at one time or another:
"My writing teacher scolds me about using split infinitives, yet I see and hear them everywhere. Is this really such a big deal? For example, the split infinitive in this headline on the Huffington Post reads just fine to me."

Carmen, you can politely tell your teacher to take a chill pill. Good writing calls for splitting an infinitive now and then. But great writers will do it purposefully rather than randomly.

The crusade against split infinitives dates back hundreds of years, to when grammarians would reflexively impose Latin rules on the English language. Since infinitives could not be split in Latin, it was reasoned, we should not split infinitives in English. But today's style guides generally take a relaxed view. By 1959, Strunk and White's The Elements of Style conceded, "Some infinitives seem to improve on being split, just as a stick of round stovewood does." Bottom line: Use your ear to decide whether an infinitive should to be split.

Back story: What is an infinitive and how do you split one?
  • The infinitive is the verb form constructed with "to" + another word: to go, to read, to swim, to laugh, and so on. 
  • Placing an adverb between "to" and the other word is known as "splitting" the infinitive.

Quick rules:
  • While there's nothing inherently wrong with splitting an infinitive, writing is typically more precise if you can avoid it. She decided to go quickly into the house. She decided to quickly go into the house. The first sentence is crisper and less awkward.
  • Splitting an infinitive tends to put added emphasis on the adverb, which may slightly change the meaning. The pianist was supposed to practice diligently every day. The pianist was supposed to diligently practice every day.
  • Sometimes you simply need to split the infinitive. He told her to read carefully the manuscript. That sounds ridiculous compared with He told her to carefully read the manuscript. And consider how the Huffington Post headline would sound without the split infinitive: How to kick naturally the habit. Just awful.

**********
Sharpen your writing style:

32 comments:

  1. Could they have written "kick the habit naturally"?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Use paraphrasing online to paraphrase or rewrite full length essays and articles or to find new ways to express simple phrases, sentences or single words.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Rescue Systems International is an ally of the technical rescue services personnel. Founded with over 60 years combined experience in technical rescue, we strive to work with rescue personnel to put the right gear in the right hands to achieve success. The world we live in sleeps at night under the protection of the thousands of technical rescue and emergency services personnel at work and in serving in the fields of EMS Rescue, Flood Response, Confined Space, Hazardous Materials, and Swift Water Rescue, we at Rescue Systems International know all too well it takes the highest level of training, gear and personal protective equipment to protect our world – ” Because Lives Hang in the Balance”
    CMC
    Bluewater Rope
    Sterling Rope
    Seattle Manufacturing Corp (smc)
    Evac Systems
    Petzl
    Princeton Tec
    Garmin
    Aqualung
    NRS
    Technical Rescue Gear
    Haix
    Rope Rescue Gear
    Water Rescue Gear

    ReplyDelete
  4. Let us help you to get the best glass windows and doors in Sioux Falls https://www.siouxfallsglasspros.com/

    ReplyDelete
  5. https://www.siouxfallsroofpros.com/ If you want to have a comfortable and relaxing time in the interior of your property, then you need to invest in a high quality roof – or an experienced roof repair team if you’ve experienced some kind of fault.

    ReplyDelete
  6. https://www.siouxfallskitchenpros.com/ From kitchen remodels, to cabinet repaints and much more, make the most of the expertise we offer, to transform your kitchen into the perfect place to be.

    ReplyDelete
  7. https://www.losangelesdeckbuilders.org/ we are the deck and patio builder that you are going to be able to trust

    ReplyDelete
  8. https://www.boyntonbeachhandyman.org/ A quality handyman professional will be able to upgrade the various areas of your property by installing new features and improvements – and you might be surprised by just how broad and versatile the services available through a handyman.

    ReplyDelete
  9. https://www.masonrylosangeles.com/ From masonry repair, block wall construction, cinder block wall repair, concrete driveway restoration, pavers, and much more - our team does it all.

    ReplyDelete
  10. https://www.deckbuilderrochester.com/ We always provide work of the highest quality

    ReplyDelete
  11. https://www.losangeleslandscaping.org/ We always strive to achieve the most for our clients, in any way that we can

    ReplyDelete
  12. https://www.deckbuildersstlouis.com/ Our sole aim is your satisfaction, and we are committed to delivering it in any way we can

    ReplyDelete
  13. http://www.landsurveyskansascity.com/ We know you have a lot to worry about - don't let surveying be one of them!

    ReplyDelete
  14. https://www.grandprairiemasons.com/ Whether you need a masonry wall, retaining wall, brick ties or a new chimney - we are the guys for you!

    ReplyDelete
  15. https://www.saltlakecitydeck.com/ we offer quality service at a reasonable price

    ReplyDelete
  16. https://www.nycdeckbuilders.com/ you can get a fully customized deck tailored specifically to your wants and needs

    ReplyDelete
  17. https://www.stpauldeckbuilders.com/ y sharing our deck design expertise and experience, we'll provide you with customized enhancements and suggestions within your budget.

    ReplyDelete
  18. https://www.augustalandsurveyors.com/ Our professional team of land surveyors is insured under our company's insurance policy to give you peace of mind.

    ReplyDelete
  19. https://www.landsurveystpaul.com/ Our company's surveyors provide civil engineering and surveying services to the public.

    ReplyDelete
  20. https://www.littlerockmasonry.org/ We only work with the best masons to ensure you projects are done to the highest standards.

    ReplyDelete
  21. https://www.shreveportmasonry.org/ Are you having trouble finding the perfect local company? In that case, you do not need to worry as you are already at the right place if you are looking for one.

    ReplyDelete
  22. https://www.birminghamdecks.org/ Our contractors are the best in the business. They are fully licensed and insured to make sure you receive the best.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I appreciate the enlightening blog.
    I discovered that you provided some excellent information in this.
    All good people with needs similar to this one should be able to use it.
    By reading this blog and taking the suggested actions, they will receive assistance.


    BSBRES801 assignment sample

    ReplyDelete
  24. Amazing Post and great content. Thanks for sharing this article.Thanks Again!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Nice post
    Get the best online dissertation help in Greece from our team of experienced writers at Greeceassignmenthelp.com. Our master dissertation writing services Greece are tailored to meet your specific needs and ensure high-quality work.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Don't let assignment stress hinder your college journey. Trust MaltaAssignmentHelp.com for reliable and affordable college assignment help. Place your order today and experience academic success like never before.

    ReplyDelete
  27. AssignmentHelper.my takes pride in being a reliable and trustworthy service provider for students in need of assignment assistance. When you ask them to "Complete my assignment," you are not just hiring a service; you are gaining a partner in your academic journey. Their team works collaboratively with you, ensuring that your ideas and requirements are incorporated into the assignment. They provide personalized attention and support throughout the process, guaranteeing your satisfaction.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Nice post
    Looking for a professional translator in Johor Bahru? Malaysia Translators is here to assist you! Our team of skilled translators provides accurate and reliable translations for various purposes. Whether you need translations from Japanese, Korean, Tamil, or Malay to English, we offer comprehensive language solutions to meet your requirements. As a trusted translation agency in Johor Bahru, we ensure confidentiality and precision in all our translations. Choose Malaysia Translators for your language translation needs and enjoy the expertise of our professional translators in Johor Bahru.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I'm glad you liked the article! Yes, I am familiar with CBD guest posts. They can be a valuable opportunity for individuals or businesses to share their knowledge, experiences, and insights related to health+write for us with a wider audience. Guest posting allows you to contribute your expertise to other websites within the CBD industry, gaining exposure, building authority, and reaching new potential customers or readers.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Keep sharing such a great post with us! Explore Online Tech Daily and know about Google Discover in detail.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Autumn Creek Aussies is affiliated with the leading and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for dogs, The American Kennel Club, and a dedicated platform to protecting Australian shepherds, The International Miniature Australian Shepherd Club. With honor in our hearts, we dedicate our service to delivering quality pups, keeping the highest industry benchmarks.

    ReplyDelete