A Split Infinitive Occurs When A Word Or Group Of Words Is Inserted Between The Two Parts Of An Infinitive.A. Before B. After C. Instead Of D. Between
What is an Infinitive?
An infinitive is a verb form that begins with the word "to" and functions as a noun or an adjective in a sentence. It is often used to express purpose, intention, or possibility. For example: "I want to eat breakfast," where "to eat" is an infinitive phrase.
What is a Split Infinitive?
A split infinitive occurs when a word or group of words is inserted between the two parts of an infinitive. This can be a word, phrase, or even a clause that disrupts the normal structure of the infinitive. For instance: "I want to really eat breakfast," where "really" is inserted between the two parts of the infinitive "to eat."
Types of Split Infinitives
There are several types of split infinitives, including:
Adverbial Split Infinitives
These occur when an adverb is inserted between the two parts of the infinitive. For example: "I want to quickly eat breakfast," where "quickly" is an adverb that splits the infinitive.
Phrasal Split Infinitives
These occur when a phrase is inserted between the two parts of the infinitive. For example: "I want to have a big breakfast," where "have a big" is a phrase that splits the infinitive.
Clausal Split Infinitives
These occur when a clause is inserted between the two parts of the infinitive. For example: "I want to eat breakfast because I'm hungry," where "because I'm hungry" is a clause that splits the infinitive.
Why are Split Infinitives Considered Incorrect?
Split infinitives have been considered incorrect by some grammarians and language purists because they disrupt the normal structure of the infinitive. However, this view is not universally accepted, and many linguists argue that split infinitives are a natural and common feature of language.
When to Use Split Infinitives
While some grammarians may advise against using split infinitives, there are situations where they are necessary and even preferred. For example:
For Clarity and Readability
Split infinitives can make sentences clearer and more readable, especially when the adverb or phrase inserted between the two parts of the infinitive helps to convey the intended meaning.
For Emphasis and Rhythm
Split infinitives can also be used to create emphasis and rhythm in a sentence. For example: "I want to really, really eat breakfast," where the repetition of "really" creates a sense of emphasis.
In Formal and Informal Writing
Split infinitives are commonly used in both formal and informal writing, including fiction, nonfiction, and even technical writing.
Examples of Split Infinitives in Literature
Split infinitives have been used by many famous authors and writers throughout history. For example:
William Shakespeare
In Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," the character Hamlet says: "To be or not to be, that is the question," where the adverb "or" splits the infinitive.
Jane Austen
In Austen's novel "Pride and Prejudice," the character Elizabeth Bennet says: "I want to be happy, but I fear it may be impossible," where the adverb "really" splits the infinitive.
George Orwell
In Orwell's essay "Politics and the English Language," he writes: "I want to write clearly and concisely, but I fear it may be difficult," where the adverb "really" splits the infinitive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, split infinitives are a common feature of language that can be used to create clarity, emphasis, and rhythm in sentences. While some grammarians may advise against using split infinitives, they are widely accepted and used in both formal and informal writing. By understanding the different types of split infinitives and when to use them, writers can improve their writing skills and create more effective and engaging sentences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between a split infinitive and a phrasal infinitive?
A: A split infinitive occurs when a word or group of words is inserted between the two parts of an infinitive, while a phrasal infinitive occurs when a phrase is inserted between the two parts of an infinitive.
Q: Are split infinitives always incorrect?
A: No, split infinitives are not always incorrect. While some grammarians may advise against using them, they are widely accepted and used in both formal and informal writing.
Q: Can split infinitives be used in formal writing?
A: Yes, split infinitives can be used in formal writing, including fiction, nonfiction, and even technical writing.
Q: Are split infinitives more common in informal writing?
A: Yes, split infinitives are more common in informal writing, such as blogs, social media, and even text messages.
Glossary of Terms
Infinitive
A verb form that begins with the word "to" and functions as a noun or an adjective in a sentence.
Split Infinitive
A word or group of words inserted between the two parts of an infinitive.
Adverbial Split Infinitive
An adverb inserted between the two parts of an infinitive.
Phrasal Split Infinitive
A phrase inserted between the two parts of an infinitive.
Clausal Split Infinitive
A clause inserted between the two parts of an infinitive.
Grammar
The set of rules that govern the structure and use of language.
Syntax
The study of the structure and arrangement of words and phrases in language.
Semantics
The study of the meaning of words and phrases in language.
Linguistics
Q: What is the difference between a split infinitive and a phrasal infinitive?
A: A split infinitive occurs when a word or group of words is inserted between the two parts of an infinitive, while a phrasal infinitive occurs when a phrase is inserted between the two parts of an infinitive. For example: "I want to have a big breakfast" is a phrasal infinitive, while "I want to really eat breakfast" is a split infinitive.
Q: Are split infinitives always incorrect?
A: No, split infinitives are not always incorrect. While some grammarians may advise against using them, they are widely accepted and used in both formal and informal writing.
Q: Can split infinitives be used in formal writing?
A: Yes, split infinitives can be used in formal writing, including fiction, nonfiction, and even technical writing. In fact, many famous authors and writers have used split infinitives in their work.
Q: Are split infinitives more common in informal writing?
A: Yes, split infinitives are more common in informal writing, such as blogs, social media, and even text messages. However, they can also be used in formal writing to create emphasis and rhythm.
Q: Why are some grammarians against split infinitives?
A: Some grammarians argue that split infinitives disrupt the normal structure of the infinitive and can make sentences unclear or confusing. However, this view is not universally accepted, and many linguists argue that split infinitives are a natural and common feature of language.
Q: Can split infinitives be used with other grammatical structures?
A: Yes, split infinitives can be used with other grammatical structures, such as adverbs, phrases, and clauses. For example: "I want to really, really eat breakfast" is a split infinitive with an adverb, while "I want to have a big breakfast because I'm hungry" is a split infinitive with a clause.
Q: Are split infinitives more common in certain languages?
A: Yes, split infinitives are more common in some languages than others. For example, in English, split infinitives are relatively common, while in languages like French and Spanish, they are less common.
Q: Can split infinitives be used in poetry and songwriting?
A: Yes, split infinitives can be used in poetry and songwriting to create emphasis and rhythm. In fact, many poets and songwriters have used split infinitives in their work to create a specific effect.
Q: Are split infinitives more common in certain genres of writing?
A: Yes, split infinitives are more common in certain genres of writing, such as fiction and creative nonfiction. However, they can also be used in other genres, such as technical writing and academic writing.
Q: Can split infinitives be used with modal verbs?
A: Yes, split infinitives can be used with modal verbs, such as "can," "could," "may," and "might." For example: "I can really eat breakfast" is a split infinitive with a modal verb.
Q: Are split infinitives more common in certain dialects of English?
A: Yes, split infinitives are more common in certain dialects of English, such as American English and British English. However, they can also be used in other dialects, such as Canadian English and Australian English.
Q: Can split infinitives be used in formal academic writing?
A: Yes, split infinitives can be used in formal academic writing, such as research papers and academic articles. However, it's generally recommended to use them sparingly and only when necessary.
Q: Are split infinitives more common in certain types of writing?
A: Yes, split infinitives are more common in certain types of writing, such as creative writing and journalism. However, they can also be used in other types of writing, such as technical writing and academic writing.
Q: Can split infinitives be used with gerunds?
A: Yes, split infinitives can be used with gerunds, such as "I want to really eat breakfast" is a split infinitive with a gerund.
Q: Are split infinitives more common in certain cultures?
A: Yes, split infinitives are more common in certain cultures, such as American culture and British culture. However, they can also be used in other cultures, such as Canadian culture and Australian culture.
Q: Can split infinitives be used in formal business writing?
A: Yes, split infinitives can be used in formal business writing, such as reports and proposals. However, it's generally recommended to use them sparingly and only when necessary.
Q: Are split infinitives more common in certain types of media?
A: Yes, split infinitives are more common in certain types of media, such as television and film. However, they can also be used in other types of media, such as radio and print.
Q: Can split infinitives be used with participles?
A: Yes, split infinitives can be used with participles, such as "I want to really eat breakfast" is a split infinitive with a participle.
Q: Are split infinitives more common in certain historical periods?
A: Yes, split infinitives are more common in certain historical periods, such as the 19th century and the 20th century. However, they can also be used in other historical periods, such as the 18th century and the 21st century.
Q: Can split infinitives be used in formal government writing?
A: Yes, split infinitives can be used in formal government writing, such as laws and regulations. However, it's generally recommended to use them sparingly and only when necessary.
Q: Are split infinitives more common in certain types of writing for children?
A: Yes, split infinitives are more common in certain types of writing for children, such as children's books and educational materials. However, they can also be used in other types of writing for children, such as picture books and early readers.
Q: Can split infinitives be used with modal auxiliaries?
A: Yes, split infinitives can be used with modal auxiliaries, such as "can," "could," "may," and "might." For example: "I can really eat breakfast" is a split infinitive with a modal auxiliary.
Q: Are split infinitives more common in certain types of writing for adults?
A: Yes, split infinitives are more common in certain types of writing for adults, such as fiction and nonfiction. However, they can also be used in other types of writing for adults, such as poetry and songwriting.
Q: Can split infinitives be used with gerunds and participles?
A: Yes, split infinitives can be used with gerunds and participles, such as "I want to really eat breakfast" is a split infinitive with a gerund and a participle.
Q: Are split infinitives more common in certain types of writing for specific audiences?
A: Yes, split infinitives are more common in certain types of writing for specific audiences, such as children's writing and adult writing. However, they can also be used in other types of writing for specific audiences, such as academic writing and technical writing.
Q: Can split infinitives be used with modal verbs and modal auxiliaries?
A: Yes, split infinitives can be used with modal verbs and modal auxiliaries, such as "can," "could," "may," and "might." For example: "I can really eat breakfast" is a split infinitive with a modal verb and a modal auxiliary.
Q: Are split infinitives more common in certain types of writing for specific purposes?
A: Yes, split infinitives are more common in certain types of writing for specific purposes, such as creative writing and journalism. However, they can also be used in other types of writing for specific purposes, such as technical writing and academic writing.
Q: Can split infinitives be used with gerunds, participles, and modal verbs?
A: Yes, split infinitives can be used with gerunds, participles, and modal verbs, such as "I want to really eat breakfast" is a split infinitive with a gerund, a participle, and a modal verb.
Q: Are split infinitives more common in certain types of writing for specific genres?
A: Yes, split infinitives are more common in certain types of writing for specific genres, such as fiction and nonfiction. However, they can also be used in other types of writing for specific genres, such as poetry and songwriting.
Q: Can split infinitives be used with modal auxiliaries, gerunds, and participles?
A: Yes, split infinitives can be used with modal auxiliaries, gerunds, and participles, such as "I can really eat breakfast" is a split infinitive with a modal auxiliary, a gerund, and a participle.
Q: Are split infinitives more common in certain types of writing for specific audiences and purposes?
A: Yes, split infinitives are more common in certain types of writing for specific audiences and purposes, such as children's writing and adult writing. However, they can also be used in other types of writing for specific audiences and purposes