Guide to Split Infinitives: How to Use Split Infinitives

In the English language, an infinitive is a two-word verb that functions as a noun. The infinitive form of a verb typically consists of the preposition “to” followed by a verb, as in "to run," "to dive," or "to watch." For example, in the sentence "I want to eat lunch," the verb is "want" and the infinitive "to eat" functions as a noun.

A split infinitive occurs when an adverb is placed between the preposition “to” and the verb within an infinitive phrase. For example, if you are modifying the infinitive phrase “to finish,” you could place the adverb “quickly” between the preposition and the verb to create the split infinitive phrase “to quickly finish.”

When they are used properly in a sentence, split infinitives can clarify the way that an action is performed. Over the centuries, English usage of split infinitives has fallen in and out of use and was considered grammatically incorrect at times. However, split infinitives are widely used in colloquial and written English.

Split infinitives can be useful in writing and speech to clarify the way that an action is done. Here are a series of examples of split infinitives.

1. 1. “David had to briskly walk to work because he was running late.” In this sentence, the split infinitive phrase is “to briskly walk” with the adverb “briskly” splitting the infinitive “to walk.”
2. 2. “The admissions director took time to carefully review the college applications.” In this sentence, the split infinitive phrase is “to carefully review” with the adverb “carefully” splitting the infinitive “to review.”
   
3. 3. “Erica needed to quickly finish her exam before time was up.” In this sentence, the split infinitive phrase is “to quickly finish” with the adverb “quickly” modifying the infinitive “to finish.”
4. 4. “Jean knew it was her destiny to passionately write in ways that inspired others.” In this sentence, the split infinitive phrase is “to passionately write” with the adverb “passionately” splitting the infinitive phrase “to write.”

Many grammarians encourage writers to avoid split infinitives when it is possible. However, this is often a matter of personal preference. According to Merriam-Webster, “there has never been a rational basis for objecting to the split infinitive.” Clarify which grammar rules your editor, professor, or boss follows before using a split infinitive.

You can use a split infinitive if it helps your sentence become more grammatically correct and clear. For example, in a sentence like, "The judges are expected to seriously consider all criteria," the split infinitive of "to seriously consider" makes more grammatical sense than "to consider seriously."

Many professors, editors, and publishers discourage splitting infinitives but it is typically a matter of personal preference. As a general rule, you should avoid split infinitives in formal writing, such as academic papers or business writing. The basis for this is the fact that a pure infinitive—combining “to” with the unconjugated form of the verb—is closest to the Latin origin of the word. If a split infinitive does not clarify your sentence or make it flow better, avoid using it. However, you should always check your editor’s personal usage guides.

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