When it comes to grammar, there are some rules that always spark debate, one of the most notorious being the use of split infinitives. While many writers and grammarians have long been taught that splitting an infinitive is a grammatical mistake, the reality is that this is a rule with more nuance than it initially seems. In fact, split infinitives are often perfectly acceptable and, in many cases, even preferable.
This article aims to demystify the concept of split infinitives, providing clear, practical insights on when and why it’s okay to use them. If you’ve ever felt confused about this grammar rule, you’re not alone. Let’s dive deeper into the topic and explore why this “rule” is often more flexible than it appears.
What is a Split Infinitive?
To understand a split infinitive, we first need to define what an infinitive is. An infinitive is the basic form of a verb, typically preceded by the word “to.” For example:
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To run
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To read
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To write
In a split infinitive, an adverb or adverbial phrase is inserted between “to” and the verb itself. This creates a separation, or “split,” between the two components of the infinitive.
Examples of Split Infinitives:
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She seems to often be awake in the early mornings.
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They decided to gradually reduce the time spent on social media.
In each of these examples, the infinitive (“to be” and “to reduce”) is split by an adverb or adverbial phrase (“often” and “gradually”). This structure makes the action or intent clearer and often more natural.
The Debate: Is It Really Incorrect to Split Infinitives?
Historically, grammarians and language experts have had varying opinions on split infinitives. Some still consider it a grammatical error, while others have embraced it as a natural part of modern English usage. The idea that split infinitives are inherently wrong is largely a misconception, rooted more in the rigid rules of Latin grammar than in English itself. In Latin, infinitives are a single word, making a split impossible. However, English allows for more flexibility.
Most modern grammarians and linguists agree that there’s no grammatical rule prohibiting split infinitives. In fact, split infinitives are often the more effective choice in many situations, especially when clarity, rhythm, and emphasis are at stake.
When Is It Beneficial to Split an Infinitive?
While splitting infinitives isn’t inherently wrong, there are certain circumstances where it’s particularly advantageous. Here are a few reasons why you might choose to split an infinitive in your writing:
1. Clarity and Precision
One of the most compelling reasons to split an infinitive is to enhance the clarity of the sentence. In many cases, placing the adverb next to the verb it modifies makes the meaning of the sentence clearer.
For example:
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Without split infinitive: I was taught always to clean up after myself.
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With split infinitive: I was taught to always clean up after myself.
In the second sentence, the adverb “always” clearly modifies “to clean up,” making the meaning more precise. Without splitting the infinitive, the sentence could be interpreted as meaning that the teaching always occurred, not that the lesson was to always clean up.
2. Natural Rhythm and Emphasis
In some cases, splitting an infinitive creates a more natural-sounding sentence. It allows you to emphasize the word or phrase that needs more attention, improving the flow and overall rhythm of the sentence.
For example:
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Without split infinitive: She was eager to truly make a difference.
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With split infinitive: She was eager to truly make a difference.
Splitting the infinitive places emphasis on the word “truly,” making it the focal point of the sentence. Without the split, the emphasis might shift too much toward “make a difference,” which weakens the impact.
3. Avoiding Ambiguity
A split infinitive can sometimes help to avoid ambiguity and prevent the reader from misinterpreting your message. Take the following example:
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Without split infinitive: I plan to slowly improve my skills.
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With split infinitive: I plan to slowly improve my skills.
Without splitting the infinitive, the sentence could suggest that the improvement will occur gradually, but it might also imply that the planning process itself will be slow. By splitting the infinitive, we make it clear that the improvement is what will be gradual.
When Should You Avoid Split Infinitives?
While split infinitives are often useful, there are times when it’s best to avoid them. Here are a few scenarios where you might want to stick with a non-split infinitive:
1. Unnecessary Disruption to Meaning
If splitting the infinitive creates confusion or ambiguity, it’s best to avoid it. The goal is always clarity, so if a split infinitive hinders understanding, you should reconsider.
For example:
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With split infinitive: They plan to hardly finish the project on time.
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Without split infinitive: They plan hardly to finish the project on time.
The second sentence is less awkward and doesn’t disrupt the meaning as much.
2. Unnatural Rhythm or Flow
In some cases, the sentence sounds more awkward or forced when the infinitive is split. This can happen when splitting the infinitive interrupts the natural flow of the sentence or leads to redundancy.
For example:
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With split infinitive: We will try to completely change the system.
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Without split infinitive: We will try to change completely the system.
In this example, the split infinitive might sound more jarring compared to the natural flow of the second option.
The Historical Context of Split Infinitives
To truly appreciate the role of split infinitives in modern English, it’s helpful to look at the historical context that shaped the ongoing debate. The notion that split infinitives are grammatically incorrect is largely a product of prescriptive grammar rules—rules that were established to standardize the language based on the norms of Latin. As we know, Latin and English are fundamentally different languages, and applying Latin-based grammar rules to English often leads to confusion.
The Latin Influence
In Latin, infinitives are a single word (for example, amare for “to love”), so it was impossible to split them. Early grammarians, influenced by Latin, mistakenly extended this idea to English. They believed that splitting infinitives was a violation of the language’s inherent structure. For centuries, this belief dominated grammar guides, leading to the prescriptive rule against split infinitives.
However, English has never been bound by Latin grammar, and over time, linguists and grammarians began to recognize that the structure of English allows for more flexibility. As English evolved, it became clear that the practice of splitting infinitives could serve a useful purpose in terms of clarity, rhythm, and emphasis—qualities that are highly valued in effective writing.
Examples of Split Infinitives in Literature and Pop Culture
The split infinitive is not just a grammatical anomaly—it’s been used effectively in some of the most memorable quotes in literature and pop culture. Here are a few examples where the split infinitive has had a profound impact on the rhythm and meaning of famous lines:
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Star Trek: “To boldly go where no man has gone before.”
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This is perhaps the most iconic use of a split infinitive. The phrase “to boldly go” creates a sense of adventure and urgency that flows naturally and powerfully.
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Elizabeth Barrett Browning: “But still, the policy of the army at that time was not to send—was specifically to not send—women into combat roles.”
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Here, the split infinitive helps emphasize the deliberate decision behind the policy, making the sentence more precise and forceful.
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Bram Stoker’s Dracula: “I knocked gently and rang as quietly as possible, for I feared to disturb Lucy or her mother.”
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In this example, splitting the infinitive adds a layer of subtlety, emphasizing the gentleness and quietness of the action.
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These examples show how split infinitives can create impactful, memorable language. Rather than weakening the message, they often enhance it by making the sentence sound more fluid and engaging.
When to Embrace Split Infinitives
While some people may still object to split infinitives, it’s important to understand that language evolves. As we continue to use and adapt language to fit our needs, it’s essential to embrace split infinitives in contexts where they improve clarity, rhythm, and emphasis.
Here are a few scenarios when splitting an infinitive can be particularly effective:
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When clarity is essential: If splitting the infinitive ensures that the meaning of the sentence is clearer and more precise, it’s generally better to go ahead and use the split.
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When it improves natural flow: Sometimes, splitting an infinitive can make a sentence feel more fluid and natural, especially when you’re trying to emphasize certain aspects of the action.
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When emphasis is needed: If you want to highlight a particular word or phrase, splitting the infinitive can help create the right emphasis without complicating the sentence.
When Not to Split an Infinitive
On the flip side, there are times when avoiding a split infinitive is the best choice. Here’s when you might want to stick with the traditional, un-split infinitive:
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When it feels forced or awkward: If splitting the infinitive disrupts the natural flow of the sentence, it’s better to keep the structure intact.
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When the meaning is clear without splitting: If there’s no ambiguity in the sentence and the meaning remains clear, then there’s no need to split the infinitive.
How to Rewrite Sentences with Split Infinitives
If you’re unsure whether to use a split infinitive, here are some tips on how to rewrite sentences while preserving clarity and meaning:
Example 1: Split Infinitive for Emphasis
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With split infinitive: He wants to urgently finish the report before the deadline.
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Without split infinitive: He wants to finish urgently the report before the deadline.
While both versions are grammatically correct, the first sentence uses the split infinitive to give emphasis to the urgency of finishing the report. The second sentence feels more awkward and less natural.
Example 2: Split Infinitive for Clarity
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With split infinitive: She was eager to really impress the interview panel.
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Without split infinitive: She was eager to impress really the interview panel.
In this example, splitting the infinitive (“to really impress”) makes the sentence more fluid and clear. Without the split, the sentence sounds less natural and could create confusion about what “really” is modifying.
Common Myths and Misconceptions About Split Infinitives
Despite the growing acceptance of split infinitives in modern English, some myths and misconceptions still linger. Let’s address a few of the most common misunderstandings surrounding this grammar topic.
Myth 1: Split Infinitives Are Always Wrong
One of the most enduring myths is that split infinitives are inherently wrong and should always be avoided. As we’ve established, this idea is rooted more in tradition and prescriptive grammar than in any real grammatical flaw. In fact, split infinitives are now considered standard practice in both formal and informal writing.
Linguists and modern grammarians agree that splitting an infinitive is not only acceptable, but in many cases, it’s preferable. When used strategically, split infinitives can enhance clarity, add emphasis, and improve the natural rhythm of the sentence.
Myth 2: Splitting Infinitives Always Leads to Awkward Sentences
Another common myth is that splitting an infinitive will always make the sentence sound awkward. While it’s true that overusing split infinitives can make writing feel forced, the occasional split can actually improve the flow and emphasis of a sentence.
In fact, many famous literary works and everyday conversation use split infinitives to create a more natural and engaging rhythm. So, rather than seeing them as awkward, try to embrace split infinitives as a tool for effective communication.
Myth 3: Split Infinitives Are Only for Informal Writing
There’s also a misconception that split infinitives are only acceptable in informal or casual writing. This is simply not the case. In fact, many professional, academic, and literary works include split infinitives without any negative impact on their tone or meaning.
Whether you’re writing a formal report, crafting a persuasive essay, or composing a creative piece, split infinitives can be used effectively in all types of writing—when done correctly.
How to Use Split Infinitives Effectively
To make sure you’re using split infinitives to your advantage, here are a few practical tips:
1. Consider the Emphasis
When deciding whether to split an infinitive, ask yourself: What do I want to emphasize? If the adverb is essential to the meaning of the sentence, placing it before the verb could weaken your point. In this case, splitting the infinitive will provide the necessary emphasis.
Example:
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To slowly walk down the aisle.
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To walk slowly down the aisle.
In this case, splitting the infinitive emphasizes the slowness of the action, which may be crucial to the intended tone of the sentence.
2. Be Mindful of Rhythm
Sometimes, it’s the rhythm of the sentence that matters more than grammatical purity. Read the sentence out loud and listen for what feels more natural. If splitting the infinitive makes the sentence easier to read or flows better, it’s likely a good choice.
Example:
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To completely change your approach to the problem.
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To change completely your approach to the problem.
The first option, with the split infinitive, sounds more fluid and maintains a natural rhythm, making it the preferred choice.
3. Don’t Overuse It
While split infinitives can be helpful, too many can disrupt the flow of your writing. Use them sparingly and only when they add value to your sentence. Overusing split infinitives can make your writing feel unnatural, so find the balance that works best for your style.
Conclusion: Embrace the Split Infinitive When Appropriate
The split infinitive is no longer a grammatical taboo. In fact, it is a versatile tool that, when used correctly, can enhance the clarity, flow, and emphasis of your writing. While traditional grammar guides may continue to discourage it, modern usage experts and linguists largely agree that splitting an infinitive is both acceptable and often beneficial.
Remember, the key to effective writing is not about rigidly adhering to outdated rules but about conveying your ideas clearly and engagingly. Whether you choose to split an infinitive or not, what truly matters is how well your words communicate your message to your audience.
So, the next time you encounter an infinitive, don’t be afraid to split it if it enhances your sentence. Use it to clarify, emphasize, and create the rhythm you want. With a little practice, split infinitives can become an integral part of your writing toolkit.
