The Perplexing Problem of the Split Infinitive: A Deep Dive
The seemingly simple act of placing an adverb between “to” and the base verb—a construction known as the split infinitive—has ignited a decades-long grammatical debate. While some consider it a cardinal sin, others see it as a perfectly acceptable, even preferable, stylistic choice. This article delves into the history, the arguments for and against, and ultimately, the pragmatic approach to this persistent grammatical conundrum.
What is a Split Infinitive?
A split infinitive occurs when an adverb (or adverbial phrase) is placed between the particle “to” and the base form of the verb. For example:
Correct (unsplit): To boldly go where no one has gone before.
Split: To boldly go where no one has gone before.
Notice the difference? In the split version, the adverb “boldly” interrupts the infinitive “to go.”
Many grammar guides and style manuals were historically prescriptive, advocating against splitting infinitives. However, this perspective is increasingly being challenged in modern linguistics.
The Historical Context
The aversion to split infinitives largely stems from a misguided attempt to mirror Latin grammar rules. Latin infinitives are single words and therefore cannot be split. This linguistic quirk from a dead language was inappropriately applied to English, a vastly different language with a more flexible structure. The prescription against split infinitives gained traction in the 19th century and solidified its place in many style guides, even though the practice existed long before this artificial rule became entrenched.
Arguments Against Splitting Infinitives
The primary argument against split infinitives is rooted in the belief that it disrupts the natural flow and clarity of the sentence. Proponents of this view argue that:
Clarity is compromised: A split infinitive can, in some cases, lead to ambiguity or awkwardness. Consider the sentence: “He decided to quickly eat the sandwich.” While grammatically correct, it might be clearer to write: “He decided to eat the sandwich quickly.”
Formality and style: In very formal writing, adhering to the rule against splitting infinitives might be considered a sign of sophistication and attention to detail. However, this is subjective and largely depends on the context and audience.
Tradition: Many people learned to avoid split infinitives as a rule, and breaking with ingrained habits can be uncomfortable, even if the rule itself is unfounded.
Arguments For Splitting Infinitives
The linguistic tide has turned somewhat in recent decades, with many linguists and writers arguing that the prohibition against split infinitives is unnecessarily restrictive and often leads to clumsy phrasing. Here’s why:
Natural Flow: In many instances, splitting the infinitive creates a more natural and rhythmic sentence structure. Consider the sentence: “I need to thoroughly clean the house.” The split infinitive sounds more natural than “I need to clean the house thoroughly,” especially when considering the emphasis on the thoroughness of the cleaning.
Emphasis and clarity: Splitting the infinitive can effectively emphasize the adverb and make the intended meaning more prominent. Placing the adverb before the verb sometimes weakens its connection to the verb, whereas placing it between “to” and the verb can strengthen this connection and improve clarity.
Avoidance of awkward phrasing: Sticking to the rule against splitting infinitives can force writers to use awkward phrasing, often leading to less elegant sentence structures.
Examples Illustrating the Benefits of Splitting
Let’s consider some examples where splitting the infinitive enhances the sentence:
Awkward (unsplit): He tried to completely rewrite the document.
Improved (split): He tried to completely rewrite the document. (The emphasis on “completely” is stronger)
Awkward (unsplit): She wanted to carefully examine the evidence.
Improved (split): She wanted to carefully examine the evidence. (More natural rhythm)
Awkward (unsplit): They attempted to successfully navigate the complex maze.
Improved (split): They attempted to successfully navigate the complex maze. (Clearer emphasis on successful navigation)
When to Split and When Not To
There’s no hard and fast rule. The decision ultimately comes down to style, context, and a consideration of whether splitting improves clarity or creates awkwardness. As a general guideline:
Prioritize clarity: If splitting the infinitive makes the sentence clearer and more natural, do it.
Consider your audience: Formal writing might benefit from avoiding split infinitives, while informal writing offers more leeway.
* Trust your ear: If a sentence sounds awkward with a split infinitive, try rephrasing.
Split Infinitives vs. Un-split Infinitives: A Simple Comparison
| Feature | Split Infinitive | Un-split Infinitive |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Adverb between "to" and verb | Adverb before or after the infinitive |
| Grammaticality | Grammatically correct | Grammatically correct |
| Style | Can sound more natural in some cases | Can sound more formal or awkward in some cases |
| Emphasis | Can emphasize the adverb | Emphasis might be less clear |
| Clarity | Can improve clarity in some cases | Can improve clarity in some cases |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is splitting an infinitive always wrong?
A: No. The prohibition against splitting infinitives is largely a stylistic preference based on outdated grammatical rules. Modern usage often favors splitting when it improves clarity or naturalness.
Q: How can I avoid awkward split infinitives?
A: If a split infinitive sounds awkward, try rephrasing the sentence. Sometimes, moving the adverb to a different position will create a more pleasing and clearer sentence.
Q: Are there any situations where splitting an infinitive is definitely preferable?
A: Yes. When the adverb is crucial to the meaning of the verb and placing it elsewhere creates a weaker or less clear connection. The best approach is to judge each instance individually.
Q: Do style guides still recommend avoiding split infinitives?
A: Some traditional style guides still advise against splitting infinitives, but many others are more flexible and acknowledge the validity of splitting when it improves the sentence’s clarity and flow. The most important consideration is effective communication.
Q: What about other languages?
A: Many languages don’t have the concept of a split infinitive in the same way that English does. The issue is unique to English grammar and reflects the historical influences on its development.
In conclusion, the debate over split infinitives reveals the ever-evolving nature of language and the complex interplay between grammar rules and stylistic choices. While there is value in understanding the historical context and potential pitfalls, the ultimate decision to split or not should prioritize clarity, natural flow, and effective communication. Overly rigid adherence to outdated rules can hinder rather than help the writing process. Focus on creating sentences that are clear, concise, and engaging for your intended audience.