split infinitive

Noun

Meaning

Examples






split infinitive (plural split infinitives)

(grammar) An infinitive with one or more modifiers inserted between the to and the verb.

Synonyms

Hypernyms

Examples

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

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