🌟 What is a Split Infinitive?

An infinitive in English is the base form of a verb, typically preceded by “to” (e.g., to go, to eat). A split infinitive occurs when a word, usually an adverb, is placed between “to” and the verb, like this:

• Split infinitive: She decided to boldly go where no one had gone before.
• Standard infinitive: She decided to go boldly where no one had gone before.

🎯 Why Avoid Split Infinitives?

Split infinitives are not strictly wrong in modern English, but avoiding them can sometimes make your writing smoother and more formal. Many style guides, especially traditional ones, advise avoiding split infinitives when possible for a more polished tone.

🔎 How to Avoid Split Infinitives

Here are three strategies you can use:

1. Move the Modifying Word

Instead of placing the modifier between “to” and the verb, move it elsewhere in the sentence.

• Split infinitive: She plans to completely understand the rules.
• Revised: She plans to understand completely the rules.

2. Rewrite the Sentence

Change the structure of the sentence to eliminate the infinitive altogether.

• Split infinitive: He wants to really improve his skills.
• Revised: He really wants to improve his skills.

3. Omit the Modifier (if it’s unnecessary)

Sometimes, the modifying word adds little value and can simply be removed.

• Split infinitive: They aim to thoroughly examine the evidence.
• Revised: They aim to examine the evidence.

⚠️ When is a Split Infinitive Acceptable?

Sometimes, avoiding a split infinitive can make the sentence awkward or unclear. In such cases, splitting the infinitive is the better choice. For example:

• Split infinitive: She promised to fully support the decision.
• Awkward alternative: She promised fully to support the decision.

In informal writing or speech, split infinitives are often perfectly acceptable. It’s all about clarity and style!

✏️ Practice Time

Let’s try some exercises to reinforce this concept. Rewrite these sentences to avoid split infinitives:

1. He wants to quickly finish his homework.
2. They decided to completely renovate the house.
3. I need to really focus on my studies.

✅ Answers

1. He wants to finish his homework quickly.
2. They decided to renovate the house completely.
3. I really need to focus on my studies.