How to Avoid Writing Split Infinitives

If you write, you want to know the rules of grammar. The English language contains a set of rules surrounding infinitives. Infinitives are the "to be" verbs. If you place a word in between your "to be" verbs, you've split the infinitive. Recognize a split infinitive when you see one so that you can correct it easily.

Instructions

1. Create a memory aid that defines a split infinitive for you. If you have seen any "Star Trek" episodes, you'll remember Captain Kirk's famous split infinitive, "To boldly go where no man has gone." The split infinitive is, "To boldly go." An infinitive begins with the word "to" and contains a simple verb. There are exceptions to this rule, but we'll concentrate on infinitives phrases that begin with the word "to."

2. Keep the infinitive and the simple verb together. Infinitive phrases contain modifiers or objects--don't place modifiers or objects after the word "to." Examples of infinitive phrases include, "to hide," "to eat," "to understand" and "to run." If you feel tempted to add emphasis such as "quickly," or "slowly," place your modifier after the verb, not before it.

3. Utilize your word processing tools to help identify grammar errors while you type. From your word processor's spelling and grammar check feature, customize your options to display split infinitive errors while you write. These consistent reminders help you learn how to correct split infinitives before you publish your work to a larger audience.

4. Recognize that infinitives are verbs, but not all verbs are infinitives. How can you tell if a particular verb is an infinitive? You can tell by it's construction-or it's place in the sentence. You cannot place an infinitive after a pronoun such as he, she, they, and so forth. So, if you write, "She runs," you can add a modifier in between the noun and the verb if you wish.