Split infinitives

An infinitive consists of to plus the base form of the verb: to think, to breathe, to dance. When a modifier appears between its two parts, an infinitive is said to be “split”: to carefully balance, to completely understand.

When a long word or a phrase appears between the parts of the infinitive, the result is usually awkward.

Example sentence with editing. Original sentence: Patients should try to if possible avoid going up and down stairs by themselves. Revised sentence: If possible, patients should try to avoid going up and down stairs by themselves.

Attempts to avoid split infinitives, however, can result in equally awkward sentences. When alternative phrasing sounds unnatural, most experts allow—and even encourage—splitting the infinitive.

Heading: Awkward. Example sentence: We decided actually to enforce the law.

Heading: Better. Example sentence: We decided to actually enforce the law.

At times, neither the split infinitive nor its alternative sounds particularly awkward. In such situations, you may want to unsplit the infinitive, especially in formal writing.

Example sentence with editing. Original sentence: The candidate decided to formally launch her campaign. Revised sentence: The candidate decided to launch her campaign formally.

Exercise: Awkward and misplaced modifiers

Exercise: Misplaced modifiers 1

Exercise: Misplaced modifiers 2

Exercise: Misplaced modifiers 3