Definition

Noun: - A grammatical construction in which an adverb or other word is placed between "to" and the base form of a verb: This creates a structure like "to + adverb + verb," which has been a traditional point of grammatical controversy in English usage.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • "To boldly go where no one has gone before" is a famous split infinitive from Star Trek.
  • Some grammarians still advise against using a split infinitive, while others consider it acceptable.
  • The sentence "She decided to quickly leave" contains a split infinitive.

Advanced Usage

• Stylistic Choice: In modern English, splitting an infinitive is often considered a valid stylistic choice, especially when it improves clarity or avoids awkward phrasing.
  • Compare: "He promised to really try" (split) vs. the potentially awkward "He promised really to try."
• Avoiding Ambiguity: Sometimes, a split infinitive is the clearest way to express an idea.
  • "We expect to more than double our profits" is clearer than alternatives like "We expect more than to double our profits."

Variants and Related Words

• Infinitive (n): The basic form of a verb, usually preceded by "to" (e.g., ).
• Unsplittable Infinitive: A term sometimes used humorously or prescriptively to refer to the traditional rule against splitting.

Synonyms

• Separated infinitive: A less common synonym for split infinitive.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• "To" + Adverb + Verb Construction: The descriptive phrase for the structure of a split infinitive.
• Grammar Prescriptivism vs. Descriptivism: The debate over split infinitives is a classic example of prescriptive grammar rules (stating how language be used) versus descriptive analysis (describing how language is used by native speakers).

Noun

1. an infinitive with an adverb between `to' and the verb (e.g., `to boldly go')