What is an infinitive?
An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word "to." In English, infinitives are typically formed by using "to" followed by the base form of the verb. For example:
to eat
to sleep
to study
to run
to laugh
What is a split infinitive?
A split infinitive occurs when an adverb or other word is inserted between the "to" and the verb in an infinitive form of a verb.
Let’s look at an example.
A sentence without the split infinitive:
He decided quickly to run to the store.
A sentence with a split infinitive:
He decided to quickly run to the store.
As you can see in the above sentences, there are times when putting the adverb as close to the verb it is modifying creates more clarity for the reader. In the first sentence, there is confusion over whether the decision was quick or whether the running was quick. In the second sentence, the adverb “quickly” refers to him running quickly/fast/at speed to the store. There is no ambiguity in the second sentence.
Is it proper English to use a split infinitive?
Split infinitives have been a subject of debate among grammarians and language purists. Traditionally, some style guides and grammarians have discouraged the use of split infinitives, arguing that they can disrupt the flow of language or sound awkward. However, many modern linguists and style guides accept split infinitives as a valid and natural part of English usage.
