Is it OK to use split infinitives?

Although they're historically frowned upon, the rule against split infinitives is more guideline than law. In some cases, split infinitives can enhance meaning and tone.

Daily edition

Grammar

Is it OK to use split infinitives? Although they're historically frowned upon, the rule against split infinitives is more guideline than law. In some cases, split infinitives can enhance meaning and tone. Rachel Gresh C onsider the classic mission statement from Star Trek's USS Enterprise: "To boldly go where no man has gone before." Captain Kirk's split infinitive — placing the adverb "boldly" between the parts of the infinitive "to" and "go" — gives the phrase a sense of urgency and drama that would be lost in an "unsplit" version: "To go boldly where no man has gone before." This often-quoted example shows that split infinitives have a purpose, even when traditional grammar purists may argue against them. An infinitive is the form of a verb created by adding "to" to the base form of a verb, such as "to go" or "to speak." A split infinitive is created when an adverb is inserted between "to" and the principal verb, as in "to secretly admire" or "to carefully examine." Splitting an infinitive can indeed cause ambiguity or confusion in a sentence, but it is not inherently incorrect and, in fact, can sometimes improve the sentence's tone or meaning. In some cases, for example, splitting the infinitive can highlight a specific action. Consider: "My manager has to regularly analyze updated prices." Here, the manager's action of analyzing prices on a regular cadence is the focus. However, "unsplitting" the infinitive changes the meaning: "My manager has to analyze regularly updated prices." Now, it's unclear if the manager is analyzing on a regular schedule or if the prices are updated regularly. Split infinitives can reduce ambiguity. It's worth noting that you can "unsplit" the same sentence as "My manager regularly has to analyze updated prices," and the meaning is clear. It really comes down to the flow of the sentence and where you want the emphasis to land. There are, however, occasions when splitting should be avoided, particularly in formal or academic writing where some style guides discourage it. It's also best to forgo split infinitives if a sentence contains multiple adverbs: "Be sure to speak slowly, confidently, and clearly" is more explicit than "Be sure to slowly, confidently, and clearly speak." Ultimately, the rule against split infinitives is outdated, and there's no rigid grammar law against it. May this empower you to boldly go where no writer has gone before and split your infinitives when necessary. Continue reading A word from our friends at Learn Anytime, Anywhere With Rosetta Stone Learning a new language boosts communication, memory, and confidence. Rosetta Stone's methods and TruAccent technology help users speak fluently while improving focus and problem-solving. The Lifetime Unlimited plan grants forever access to 25 languages with no renewals. Get it now for just $149 — an unbeatable value for yourself or a gift. Save 60% Thanks for supporting our sponsors! They help keep Word Smarts free for everyone. Emoji Decoded Heart Hands Meaning: Depicts two hands forming a heart shape, often representing love and appreciation. Evolution: This emoji digitizes a popular hand gesture that has been part of pop culture for years, especially in K-pop communities. Usage: [Reply to a kind message:] Thank you for always being there 🫶 Heart Hands Meaning: Depicts two hands forming a heart shape, often representing love and appreciation. Evolution: This emoji digitizes a popular hand gesture that has been part of pop culture for years, especially in K-pop communities. Usage: [Reply to a kind message:] Thank you for always being there 🫶 Have you read? The Death and Life of the Great Lakes By Dan Egan Although they hold over 20% of the world's freshwater supply, the Great Lakes are often overlooked. "New York Times" bestselling author and Green Bay native Dan Egan examines the current ecological threats to these lakes and the consequences that tens of millions of people might face because of them. Egan blends history, science, and personal anecdotes to give the uninitiated a crash course on the region while offering hope via ideas of restoration and preservation. Rachel Gresh, Word Smarts Contributor Shop now We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. The Death and Life of the Great Lakes By Dan Egan Although they hold over 20% of the world's freshwater supply, the Great Lakes are often overlooked. "New York Times" bestselling author and Green Bay native Dan Egan examines the current ecological threats to these lakes and the consequences that tens of millions of people might face because of them. Egan blends history, science, and personal anecdotes to give the uninitiated a crash course on the region while offering hope via ideas of restoration and preservation. Rachel Gresh, Word Smarts Contributor Shop now We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. You might also like Language 5 MIN READ 5 LIKES The History of the Love Letter Whether scrawled on ancient papyrus or composed in a quick text message, love letters have remained powerful expressions of affection and devotion across the centuries. Continue reading Popular stories 01 Language What Is a Synecdoche? 02 Language Why Does Stressing the Right Syllable Matter? 03 Vocabulary What's the Difference Between Sympathy and Empathy?

Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe No longer interested in receiving our content? Unsubscribe from future emails No longer interested in receiving our content? Unsubscribefrom future emails from future emails

1550 Larimer Street, Suite 431, Denver, CO 80202 Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use Do Not Sell My Information Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use Do Not Sell My Information