Rules for writers, Tenth edition - Diana Hacker, Nancy Sommers 2021

Avoid split infinitives when they are awkward
Repair misplaced and dangling modifiers
Clarity

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

Attempts to avoid split infinitives can sometimes result in equally awkward sentences. When alternative phrasing sounds unnatural, split the infinitive.

EXERCISE 12-1

Edit the following sentences to correct misplaced or awkwardly placed modifiers. Possible revisions appear in the back of the book.

a. The manager asked her employees to if they had time submit their reports on Friday.

b. Many students graduate with debt from college totaling more than fifty thousand dollars.

c. It is a myth that humans only use 10 percent of their brains.

d. Daria found the old nightgown she used to wear to sleep in the closet.

e. All geese do not fly beyond Narragansett for the winter.