split infinitive: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-mediumFormal, grammatical
Quick answer
What does “split infinitive” mean?
A grammatical construction where an adverb or other word is placed between 'to' and the base form of a verb.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A grammatical construction where an adverb or other word is placed between 'to' and the base form of a verb.
The deliberate insertion of a modifier (usually an adverb) between the particle 'to' and the bare infinitive verb form, historically considered an error but now widely accepted in modern usage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Traditionally more strictly proscribed in British prescriptive grammar. American usage has generally been more accepting, especially in informal contexts. The aversion persists somewhat more strongly in formal British writing.
Connotations
Can connote either careful adherence to traditional rules (avoiding it) or a modern, naturalistic style (using it for emphasis or clarity). Avoiding it can sometimes lead to awkward phrasing.
Frequency
More frequently discussed than actually used. When used, it's most common with short adverbs like 'really', 'fully', 'completely'.
Grammar
How to Use “split infinitive” in a Sentence
[Verb] + [to] + [Adverb] + [Bare Infinitive]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “split infinitive” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The editor cautioned the writer not to split the infinitive unnecessarily.
- Purists often refuse to ever split an infinitive.
American English
- She decided to boldly split the infinitive for emphasis.
- It's perfectly acceptable to sometimes split an infinitive.
adjective
British English
- The split infinitive construction is less favoured in traditional guides.
- He wrote a sentence with a split infinitive.
American English
- The split infinitive rule is considered outdated by many linguists.
- That's a famously split infinitive from Star Trek.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely referenced unless in style guides for formal reports. 'The plan is to quickly adapt to market changes.'
Academic
Discussed in linguistics, grammar, and style manuals. Often advised against in very conservative disciplines like law or traditional philology.
Everyday
Occurs naturally in speech, often unnoticed. 'I need to really think about this.'
Technical
A specific grammatical term used in language teaching, editing, and computational linguistics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “split infinitive”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “split infinitive”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “split infinitive”
- Thinking it is always grammatically incorrect (it's a style choice).
- Avoiding it at the cost of creating awkward or ambiguous sentences (e.g., 'boldly to go' or 'to go boldly').
- Overusing it with long adverbial phrases, which can sound clumsy.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not grammatically incorrect. It is a stylistic issue. Modern grammarians and style guides generally agree that split infinitives are acceptable, especially when avoiding them creates awkward or ambiguous sentences.
The phrase 'to boldly go' from the Star Trek opening monologue ('...to boldly go where no man has gone before') is arguably the most famous example.
The rule originated in the 18th and 19th centuries when grammarians, influenced by Latin (where the infinitive is a single, unsplittable word), attempted to impose similar structures on English.
It depends on your style guide and field. In conservative disciplines (e.g., some branches of law, traditional philology), it may be advised against. In most modern academic writing, the priority is clarity. If splitting the infinitive makes your meaning clearer, it is preferable to an awkward alternative.
A grammatical construction where an adverb or other word is placed between 'to' and the base form of a verb.
Split infinitive is usually formal, grammatical in register.
Split infinitive: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsplɪt ɪnˈfɪnɪtɪv/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsplɪt ɪnˈfɪnɪt̬ɪv/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine 'to' and the verb as two parts of a sandwich, and the adverb as the filling splitting them apart: to | boldly | go.
Conceptual Metaphor
GRAMMAR IS A RULE-BASED SYSTEM / LANGUAGE IS A LIVING ENTITY (The 'split' implies breaking something that should be whole, according to the traditional rule-based view, but the living entity view accepts its natural occurrence.)
Practice
Quiz
Why is the split infinitive often considered acceptable in modern English?