Infinitives And Split Infinitives: A Comprehensive Guide

Have you ever scratched your head wondering what exactly an infinitive is, or whether you're committing a grammatical faux pas by splitting one? You're not alone! Infinitives and split infinitives are common topics of confusion in English grammar. But don't worry, we're here to break it all down in a way that's easy to understand and even a little bit fun. Let's dive in and unravel the mysteries of these verbal forms.

What is an Infinitive?

To truly understand infinitives, you must first grasp their fundamental nature. An infinitive is the basic form of a verb, typically preceded by the word "to." Think of it as the verb's raw, unadulterated state. It's not conjugated to show tense or agreement with a subject. Infinitives are versatile and can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs within a sentence, adding a layer of flexibility to your writing. For example, consider the verb "run." Its infinitive form is "to run." Similarly, the infinitive of "eat" is "to eat," and for "sleep," it's "to sleep." These infinitive forms can then be used in various ways within a sentence, as we'll explore further.

The Basic Form and Function of Infinitives

The basic form of an infinitive is "to + base form of the verb." This simple structure allows infinitives to wear many hats in a sentence. They can act as nouns, serving as the subject, object, or complement. They can also function as adjectives, modifying nouns, or as adverbs, modifying verbs, adjectives, or even entire clauses. This versatility makes them a powerful tool in sentence construction. Recognizing the flexibility of infinitives is crucial for mastering English grammar. For instance, in the sentence "To err is human," the infinitive "to err" acts as the subject of the sentence. In "I like to swim," "to swim" is the direct object of the verb "like." And in "He has a book to read," "to read" functions as an adjective modifying "book."

Examples of Infinitives in Sentences

To further illustrate how infinitives work, let's look at more examples. Consider the sentence, "She wants to travel the world." Here, "to travel" is the infinitive, and it functions as the direct object of the verb "wants." Another example is, "He needs to study for the exam." In this case, "to study" is the infinitive, acting as the direct object of "needs." Infinitives can also express purpose, as in the sentence, "I went to the store to buy milk." Here, "to buy" explains why the speaker went to the store. Understanding these various functions is essential for using infinitives effectively in your own writing and speech. By mastering infinitives, you can add depth and precision to your communication.

What is a Split Infinitive?

Now that we've nailed down what an infinitive is, let's tackle the concept of a split infinitive. A split infinitive occurs when an adverb or other word is placed between "to" and the base form of the verb. This construction has been a point of contention among grammar enthusiasts for centuries, with some considering it a grammatical error and others viewing it as perfectly acceptable, even desirable, in certain contexts. The key to understanding split infinitives lies in recognizing their historical context and their effect on sentence clarity.

Defining the Split Infinitive

A split infinitive is essentially an infinitive that has been interrupted. Instead of the standard "to + verb" structure, you have "to + adverb + verb." For example, instead of saying "to quickly run," you might say "to quickly run." The adverb "quickly" splits the infinitive "to run." This construction has raised eyebrows among traditional grammarians because it violates the perceived indivisibility of the infinitive. However, modern usage often embraces split infinitives for their ability to enhance clarity and naturalness in writing. Recognizing a split infinitive is the first step in deciding whether to use it. The placement of the adverb can subtly shift the emphasis of the sentence, and understanding this nuance is crucial for effective communication.

The Controversy Around Split Infinitives

The debate over split infinitives has a long and fascinating history. In the 19th century, grammarians, influenced by Latin grammar rules, began to condemn split infinitives. Latin infinitives are single words and cannot be split, so some argued that English infinitives should follow the same rule. However, English grammar is not bound by Latin rules, and many writers and linguists have argued that split infinitives are not inherently wrong. The real question is whether the split infinitive improves or detracts from the clarity and flow of the sentence. In some cases, splitting the infinitive can be the most natural and effective way to convey the intended meaning. The key is to use them judiciously and with an awareness of their potential impact on your audience.

Examples of Split Infinitives and Why They Work

To illustrate the effectiveness of split infinitives, let's look at some examples. Consider the sentence, "He decided to quickly eat his lunch." The split infinitive "to quickly eat" sounds more natural than "He decided to eat his lunch quickly." In this case, the adverb "quickly" modifies the verb "eat," and placing it between "to" and "eat" emphasizes the speed of the action. Another example is, "She needs to carefully consider her options." The split infinitive "to carefully consider" is more direct and impactful than "She needs to consider her options carefully." The adverb "carefully" is closely tied to the action of considering, and splitting the infinitive reflects this connection. These examples demonstrate that split infinitives can enhance clarity and readability when used thoughtfully.

When to Split and When Not to Split: A Guide

Knowing when to split an infinitive and when to avoid it is a crucial skill for any writer. While split infinitives are often acceptable and even preferable, there are situations where they can sound awkward or unclear. The key is to consider the context and the effect on the reader. Let's explore some guidelines to help you navigate the nuances of split infinitives.

General Guidelines for Using Split Infinitives

A general guideline is to split an infinitive if it improves the clarity or flow of the sentence. If the adverb strongly modifies the verb and placing it elsewhere would sound unnatural or change the meaning, splitting the infinitive is often the best choice. However, if the sentence sounds fine without splitting the infinitive, it's generally safer to avoid it, especially in formal writing. It's also important to consider your audience. If you're writing for a conservative audience that may frown upon split infinitives, it's best to err on the side of caution. But in many modern contexts, a well-placed split infinitive will go unnoticed or even be appreciated for its clarity.

Situations Where Splitting is Acceptable or Preferred

There are several situations where splitting an infinitive is not only acceptable but also preferred. One common case is when the adverb is essential to the meaning of the verb. For example, "to really understand" has a different emphasis than "to understand really." The adverb "really" directly modifies the verb "understand," and splitting the infinitive highlights this connection. Another situation is when the adverb is long or complex. Placing a long adverb phrase between "to" and the verb can create a smoother, more readable sentence. For instance, "to more fully appreciate the nuances of the text" sounds better than "to appreciate the nuances of the text more fully." In these cases, splitting the infinitive enhances clarity and flow.

Situations Where Splitting Should Be Avoided

Conversely, there are situations where splitting an infinitive should be avoided. One such situation is when the split sounds awkward or clumsy. If the adverb can be easily moved without changing the meaning or flow of the sentence, it's best to avoid splitting the infinitive. For example, "to easily learn" can often be rewritten as "to learn easily" without any loss of clarity. Another situation is when multiple words are inserted between "to" and the verb. A heavily split infinitive can be distracting and difficult to read. For instance, "to very quickly and efficiently complete the task" is better phrased as "to complete the task very quickly and efficiently." In these cases, simplicity and clarity should be your guiding principles. Avoiding unnecessary splits will make your writing more polished and professional.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Infinitives and Split Infinitives

Mastering infinitives and split infinitives involves not only understanding their correct usage but also avoiding common pitfalls. Mistakes can range from using the wrong form of the verb to splitting infinitives unnecessarily. By being aware of these potential errors, you can refine your writing and ensure clarity and precision in your communication. Let's explore some of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Incorrect Verb Forms with Infinitives

One common mistake is using the wrong verb form after "to." Remember, an infinitive is "to + base form of the verb." Using any other form is grammatically incorrect. For example, it's incorrect to say "to went" or "to going." The correct form is "to go." Similarly, avoid using the past participle form, such as "to gone." Stick to the base form to ensure accuracy. Pay close attention to the verb form, especially when writing quickly or editing your work. Double-checking your verb choices will help you maintain grammatical correctness.

Unnecessary Splitting of Infinitives

Another common mistake is splitting infinitives when there's no good reason to do so. As we've discussed, splitting an infinitive is acceptable when it enhances clarity or flow, but unnecessary splits can make your writing sound awkward or clumsy. If the adverb can be easily moved without changing the meaning, it's best to avoid the split. For instance, "to quickly finish" can often be rewritten as "to finish quickly" without any loss of impact. Evaluate each situation carefully and only split an infinitive if it truly improves the sentence.

Misplaced Modifiers with Split Infinitives

Misplaced modifiers can be a tricky issue, especially when dealing with split infinitives. A misplaced modifier is a word or phrase that is positioned in a way that makes it unclear what it's modifying. With split infinitives, this can happen if the adverb is placed too far from the verb it modifies. For example, in the sentence "He decided to, after much deliberation, take the job," the phrase "after much deliberation" awkwardly splits the infinitive "to take." A clearer phrasing would be "After much deliberation, he decided to take the job." Be mindful of the placement of adverbs and other modifiers to ensure they're clearly connected to the words they modify. Proper placement enhances clarity and prevents confusion.

Conclusion: Embracing the Nuances of Infinitives and Split Infinitives

In conclusion, understanding infinitives and split infinitives is essential for mastering English grammar and writing with precision and clarity. Infinitives, with their versatile nature, can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs, adding depth to your sentences. Split infinitives, while historically controversial, are often acceptable and even preferred when they enhance clarity and flow. The key is to use them judiciously and with an awareness of their impact on your audience. By avoiding common mistakes and following the guidelines we've discussed, you can confidently navigate the nuances of these verbal forms.

So, go forth and embrace the power of infinitives and split infinitives in your writing! Remember, grammar is a tool to enhance communication, not a set of rigid rules to be feared. With practice and a keen eye for detail, you can wield infinitives and split infinitives effectively, adding sophistication and clarity to your expression.

For further reading and a deeper dive into the intricacies of English grammar, be sure to check out resources like the Purdue OWL, a fantastic online writing lab that offers comprehensive guidance on grammar, style, and more.