Noun
Examples
split infinitive (plural split infinitives)
(grammar) An infinitive with one or more modifiers inserted between the to and the verb.
Ed. R. W. Burchfield; Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition (2005–2006), "split infinitive" The term compound split infinitive is not found in these dictionaries and appears to be very recent. Source: Internet
In more detail, the usage author Marilyn Moriarty states: The rule forbidding a split infinitive comes from the time when Latin was the universal language of the world. Source: Internet
Follett, in Modern American Usage (1966) writes: "The split infinitive has its place in good composition. Source: Internet
Here is an example of an adverb being transferred into split infinitive position from a parallel position in a different construction. Source: Internet
One split infinitive, one whack; two split infinitives, two whacks; and so on. Source: Internet
Principal objections to the split infinitive Objections to the split infinitive fall into three categories, of which only the first is accorded any credence by linguists. Source: Internet