split infinitive
an expression in which there is a word or phrase, especially an adverb or adverbial phrase, between to and its accompanying verb form in an infinitive, as in to readily understand.
Origin of split infinitive
1Grammar notes for split infinitive
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use split infinitive in a sentence
The sermon contained many repetitions and a quantity of split infinitives.
Miss Mapp | Edward Frederic Benson"It's dreadful to split infinitives, Laura," said Bob, entering unexpectedly.
Six Girls and Bob | Marion Ames TaggartIt would seem to be quite as beneficial and more practical to meditate on split infinitives.
Science and Morals and Other Essays | Bertram Coghill Alan WindleDo you mean that some one paid him to put in the split infinitives?
King John of Jingalo | Laurence HousmanSome of the sentences are incorrect because they contain split infinitives.
Business English | Rose Buhlig
British Dictionary definitions for split infinitive
(in English grammar) an infinitive used with another word between to (the infinitive marker) and the verb itself, as in I want to really finish it this time
usage For split infinitive
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Cultural definitions for split infinitive
An infinitive is the “to” form of a verb, as in “to play.” A split infinitive is a phrase in which to is separated from the verb. The sentence “I decided to quickly and directly go home” contains a split infinitive. Some people consider it poor style, or even incorrect style, to split an infinitive.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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