Split infinitives

What are split infinitives?

The 'infinitive' of a verb is the form given in the dictionary where no particular subject is indicated. In English, it is always characterized by the word 'to.' A 'split infinitive' occurs when the 'to' is separated from its verb by other words. A well-known example occurs in the opening sequence of the Star Trek television series: "to boldly go where no man has gone before"; the adverb 'boldly' is said to split the infinitive 'to go.'

What’s wrong with split infinitives?

Split infinitives have, traditionally, been regarded by some commentators as something to be avoided at all costs. The University of Bristol suggests that there is no rational basis for this rule; splitting infinitives is commonplace in spoken language, and even in written English, it may be clearer or more elegant to do so.

To split or not to split?

In general, split infinitives should be avoided in the formal writing, unless the alternative wording seems very clumsy or would alter the meaning of your sentence. Usually, it is sufficient to move the offending word so that it comes either before or after the infinitive. The 'rule' against splitting infinitives isn’t followed as strictly today as it used to be.  Some people do object very strongly to them.

According to grammarist.com, when moving the adverb to the end of a phrase doesn’t cause confusion or change the sentence’s meaning, it’s a good idea to keep the infinitive intact—for example:

He urged me to walk up casually and say hello.

Infinitives should be split when the adverb either needs emphasis or wouldn’t work anywhere else in the sentence—for example:

They're expected to gradually come down in price to about $50 to $75 each.