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Writing Resources
Split Infinitives
Split Infinitives
A split infinitive is a specific type of split infinitive. An infinitive is a verb such as
to
preceded by the word (to think, to complain, to admire, to purchase). When an adverb is placed in the middle of the infinitive and the word, a split infinitive occurs.
Examples
:
Split Infinitive: The researcher was
to
instantly
purchase
the materials.
Correct: The researcher was
to purchase
the materials
instantly
.
Split infinitive: Students worked
to
really
try
to spread the message.
Correct: Students worked hard
to spread
the message.
Avoid using the word “really” in formal writing.
Ambiguity: Make sure by avoiding a split infinitive you aren’t creating a sentence that is ambiguous.
Split Infinitive: The students were told
to
occasionally
monitor
their grades online.
Awkward sentence: The students were told
to monitor
their grades online
occasionally
.
What does “occasionally” refer to in this case? Their grades or monitor? It’s unclear the way it’s
written.
Correct: The students were told
occasionally
to monitor
their grades online.
Practice Quiz #1
Practice Quiz #2
Practice Quiz #3
Practice Quiz #4