How Do You Spell SPLIT INFINITIVE?

1. The term "split infinitive" refers to a grammatical construction in which an adverb or other word is placed between the two parts of an infinitive verb, typically consisting of the word "to" followed by the base form of the verb. This often occurs in English sentences where the adverb is used to modify the verb, such as in the phrase "to boldly go" from the famous Star Trek quote.

   Traditionally, the concept of the split infinitive was considered an error in English grammar, as it was believed to disrupt the clarity and flow of a sentence. However, modern grammarians have adopted a more flexible approach, recognizing that split infinitives can be useful for adding emphasis or achieving a desired effect.

   For instance, in the sentence "She decided to quickly finish the task," the adverb "quickly" is placed between the infinitive marker "to" and the verb "finish." By separating the infinitive, the speaker or writer may be emphasizing the speed or urgency with which the task is to be completed.

   Despite evolving linguistic norms, opinions still vary regarding the acceptance of split infinitives in formal writing. Some argue for avoiding them altogether, while others advocate using them judiciously for emphasis or clarity. Ultimately, the decision to employ a split infinitive should align with the desired tone and style of the writing as well as adhere to the grammatical conventions of the target audience.

Common Misspellings for SPLIT INFINITIVE

The word "split infinitive" consists of two parts: "split" and "infinitive".

The term "split" comes from the verb "to split", which means to divide or separate something into two or more parts. In this case, it refers to dividing or separating the infinitive.

The word "infinitive" has Latin origins. It comes from the Latin word "infinitivus", which means unlimited or boundless. In traditional grammar, the infinitive is the base form of a verb, typically preceded by the word "to" (e.g., to run, to eat, to sleep).

The phrase "split infinitive" was first coined in the 19th century when grammarians began discussing the practice of placing an adverb between the word "to" and the base form of a verb. The term was introduced as a way to describe this specific grammatical construct.