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Split Infinitives

The document discusses split infinitives, which occur when an adverb is placed between "to" and a verb in its infinitive form. While split infinitives were once considered ungrammatical, they are now generally accepted if they improve clarity or emphasis. The construction "not to be" is more common than "to not be" and will work in most cases, though both are grammatically valid depending on context.

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217 views6 pages

Split Infinitives

The document discusses split infinitives, which occur when an adverb is placed between "to" and a verb in its infinitive form. While split infinitives were once considered ungrammatical, they are now generally accepted if they improve clarity or emphasis. The construction "not to be" is more common than "to not be" and will work in most cases, though both are grammatically valid depending on context.

Uploaded by

megrolezeira
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

To not be or not to be -- that is the

question.

Easy Examples of Split Infinitives


In these examples, the adverb splitting the infinitive is in bold.

● to really try
● to further develop

A split infinitive is created when you put a word between the “to” and root verb, like this:
● I’m going to totally devour this pizza.

Totally has split the infinitive to devour.

While it’s great when infinitives can work as a unit, sometimes a split creates a much clearer,
smoother experience for readers.

What Is a Split Infinitive?

A split infinitive occurs when you insert a word between the to and the verb, in an infinitive
phrase. Watch—I’ll do some:

● It’s hard to fully understand what you’re saying.


● I want to completely ace this test.
● We need to logically analyze the data.
Of course, whether we use intact or split infinitives, they are part of a larger sentence, so let’s
see how our examples look in a greater context.
● If you bring up that topic, you are going to needlessly incite trouble.
● I had to quickly exit the room.
● After all of my health struggles, I just want to simply live.

The answer is that it is okay to split an infinitive, but that doesn’t necessarily mean
you should.

To Not vs Not To: Which Is Correct?

"not to" can be used as an elipsis.

I am trying not to [do something].


"to not" is used as a split infinitive, and a verb is always expected after "not". This use of a
split infinitive, however, is frowned upon.

I am trying to not do something.

Don't you think it sounds really, really weird? I teach all of my students not to write this way.

To not be' or 'not to be'

Question

'To not be' or 'not to be'

To not be or not to be -- that is the question.

Actually, the question has to do with where to put to and not when using the infinitive form
of any verb.

It turns out that the real rule is a question of clarity and style and not grammar. It's not
wrong either way, but if one construction makes your sentence more clear or more emphatic,
then you can use it. However, the form that does not "split" the infinitive is much more
common in print, and using this form (not to be; to go boldly; not to take) will work in almost
every circumstance.

Here are just a couple more examples so you can see both kinds of construction:

Our parents told us to drive safely, to not stay out too late.

My cousin visited for dinner but decided not to stay overnight.

It's very hard to not think about the future.

I try not to think about how hard I'll have to work.

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