Introduction
Split infinitive is a phrase where an adverb is put between to and infinitive.
Form
Split infinitive is a phrase where an adverb or adverbial phrase is put between to and infinitive.
The structure for split infinitive is:
… + to + adverb/adverbial phrase + verb + …
Example
- You need to really take care of her this week.
- She wanted to just run away.
- He started to gently drive out of the driveway.
- We managed to punctually meet the deadline.
- They don’t want to ever go to work again.
Use
We use the split infinitive structure to put more emphasis on adverbs, but we use it only in informal English.
NOTE: If we have doubts about whether split infinitives, it is better not to split them.
Summary
Split infinitive is a phrase where an adverb or adverbial phrase is put between to and infinitive to give more emphasis on the adverbs, but we use it only in informal English.
For example:
— “The university allows students to easily make registrations.” = Adverb easily is situated between to and the verb make and in this way it creates a split infinitive.
Let’s revise this content within the {Form} section. Take a look at the {Example} section that shows its use within a context.