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split infinitive
noun
- 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.
split infinitive
noun
- (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
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.
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Usage
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Grammar Note
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Word History and Origins
Origin of split infinitive1
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Example Sentences
She is not a bit of a purist and thinks more of a good thought forcefully put than of a slip in the way of a split infinitive.
The split infinitive I abhor, more as a matter of taste than argument.
Style is not the art of writing melodious words or the craft or cunning of finding a way round the split infinitive.
Condemnation of the split infinitive is now pretty general, but it is only recently that any one seems to have thought of it.
Then, if I split it, what else could it be but a split infinitive, I'd like to know?
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