split infinitives

split infinitives: ◊ GRAMMAR

A split infinitive is a `to'-infinitive which has the `to' separated from the base form by an adverbial.

There are enough nuclear arms to utterly destroy all civilization.
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Some people think this structure is not acceptable and believe that the adverbial should be put elsewhere in the clause.
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However, when an adverbial can be put in front of a verb in an ordinary clause, it sometimes seems natural to put the same adverbial in front of the base form in a `to'-infinitive clause. For example, you say `You must really make an effort', so it seems natural to say `I told them to really make an effort'.

Use that opening to really establish contact with the other actors.

The directors of companies in this position often own some of the shares, but rarely enough to actually control a majority.

Then in front of me I saw two cars placing themselves in such a manner as to completely block my way.
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It usually sounds unnatural to put an adverbial in front of a `to'-infinitive when the adverbial relates to the event described in the `to'-infinitive clause. With an intransitive `to'-infinitive, you can put the adverbial after the `to'-infinitive or at the end of the clause.

They seemed to have disappeared completely.

Do you think it is right for you and your family to rely completely on the State?

Nancy wanted to go back to China immediately.
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With transitive `to'-infinitives, it is often possible to put an adverbial after the object or at the end of the clause.

The treatment is to remove these foods completely from the diet.

Uncle Nick was tactful enough not to shatter this illusion immediately.

It's better to introduce him to school gradually.
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However, if the clause is very long, it is better to put the adverbial after the `to' (if it is not possible to rephrase the sentence).

...an incomes policy which aimed to gradually reduce wage settlements in the public sector.

When several injections are given they stimulate the body to slowly build its own, long-lasting protection against tetanus.
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Split infinitives — ◊ GRAMMAR A split infinitive is a to infinitive which has the to separated from the base form by an adverbial. There are enough nuclear arms to utterly destroy all civilization. Some people think this structure is not acceptable and believe that… … Useful english dictionary
split infinitives — It is almost certainly safe to say that the number of people who would never knowingly split an infinitive is a good deal larger than the number of people who can confidently say what an infinitive is and does. That may account for the number… … Dictionary of troublesome word
split infinitives — The belief that it is a serious breach of grammar to split an infinitive (that is, to put an adverb between to and a verb as in to boldly go ) is without foundation. It is certainly not a grammatical error. If it is an error at all, it is a… … Bryson’s dictionary for writers and editors
split infinitive — ► NOUN ▪ a construction consisting of an infinitive with an adverb or other word inserted between to and the verb, e.g. she seems to really like it. USAGE It is still widely held that splitting infinitives is wrong, a view based on an analogy… … English terms dictionary
split infinitive — split infinitives N COUNT A split infinitive is a structure in which an adverb is put between to and the infinitive of a verb, as in to really experience it . Some people think it is incorrect to use split infinitives … English dictionary
split infinitive — 1. A split infinitive occurs when a word (usually an adverb) or phrase comes between the particle to and the verb of a so called to infinitive (to really love / to really and truly love). No other grammatical issue has so divided English speakers … Modern English usage
split infinitive — n. Gram. an infinitive with an adverb or other modifier placed between to and the verb form (Ex.: he decided to gradually change his methods): although some object to this construction, many writers use split infinitives where ambiguity or wrong… … English World dictionary
Split infinitive — A split infinitive is an English language grammatical construction in which a word or phrase, usually an adverb or adverbial phrase, comes between the marker to and the bare infinitive (uninflected) form of a verb. For example, a split infinitive … Wikipedia
split infinitive — noun a construction consisting of an infinitive with an adverb or other word inserted between to and the verb, e.g. she seems to really like it. Usage It is still widely held that splitting infinitives is wrong, a view based on an analogy with… … English new terms dictionary
split infinitive — noun an infinitive with an adverb between to and the verb (e.g., to boldly go ) • Hypernyms: ↑infinitive * * * noun, pl ⋯ tives [count] grammar : an English phrase in which an adverb or other word is placed between to and a verb “To really start” … Useful english dictionary

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split infinitives

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split infinitives

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