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:
  1. Split Infinitive: The researcher was to instantly purchase the materials.
    • Correct: The researcher was to purchase the materials instantly.

  2. 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.

  3. 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
 
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