Split Infinitives (grammar lesson)


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Split Infinitives - Glossary of Terms

Split Infinitives

When a verb is preceded by the word "to" it is said to be in its infinitive form. Placing another word (usually an adverb) between "to" and the verb is called a "split infinitive" and is considered by some to be a mistake.

Examples:

You have to really mean it.
(The infinitive verb "to mean" is split by the word "really".)

..to boldly go where no man has gone before.
(The infinitive verb "to go" is split by the word "boldly".)

Interactive example:

I am going to definitely participate in this year's play. [show me the split infinitive]

See also:

Glossary of grammatical terms

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