Grammar Guide

Split Infinitives

An infinitive is the basic form of a verb, consisting of the word to and the verb without any number or tense. Some examples of infinitives are to be, to run, to think, and to eat. 

A split infinitive occurs when we split to from the verb by inserting additional words between them.

Example: I need to carefully read the assigned chapter.

Here, the infinitive to read has been split up by the adverb carefully. Rules around whether or not a split infinitive is acceptable are changing, and often depend on whether you’re writing formally or informally, and if you have specific instructions in academic writing. 

Generally, in formal and academic writing it is preferable to avoid the split infinitive. Although the example sentence above makes sense, it could easily be changed to keep the infinitive together.

Example: I need to read the assigned chapter carefully.

However, there may be times (particularly in informal and creative writing) when correcting a split infinitive changes the meaning of the sentence.

Example: He seems to really miss them. 

This sentence could be changed to read he really seems to miss them. However, in the original sentence, the adverb really modifies the word miss, not seems. Changing the split infinitive would therefore change the meaning of the sentence, so for clarity’s sake it may be worth leaving as split. 

If you have instructions to avoid the split infinitive it is important to follow those, but if not, you should use your best judgement and ensure your writing is clear when deciding whether to change a split infinitive.

 

Practice:

1. Change the following sentences so they do not have a split infinitive.

1. I’m going to cheerfully whistle a song.
2. They have to patiently wait for the train.
3. He needs to deliberately choose his moment.

2. The following sentence was written for a creative writing class. Identify the split infinitive, decide whether or not it should be changed, and explain why or why not.

Gerard listened carefully to better understand his friend’s point of view. 

 

Answers:

1. Change the split infinitive:

1. I’m going to whistle a song cheerfully. 
2. The have to wait for the train patiently. 
3. He needs to choose his moment deliberately. 

2. The split infinitive is to better understand; the word better splits to understand. Because this sentence is for a creative writing class, not an academic essay, the split infinitive is likely acceptable and therefore does not need to be changed. Interestingly, the phrase to better understand often appears in academic, magazine, and newspaper writing, rather than to understand ____ better. This is a case of a split infinitive that is often accepted because of its stylistic value. 

 

Improve your writing and study skills! Book an appointment with a writing advisor and/or academic coach on OSCARplus.  Questions? Email skills@mcmaster.ca.