100 ways to improve your writing - Gary Provost 2019
Do not split infinitives
Ten ways to avoid grammatical errors
An infinitive is split when an adverb is placed between the word to and a verb.
Bad |
Better |
She wanted to quickly run the race. |
She wanted to run the race quickly. |
Dave wanted to really make it big as a singer. |
Dave really wanted to make it big as a singer. |
If we were to carefully examine the problem, we could figure out a solution. |
If we were to examine the problem carefully, we could figure out a solution. |
There are times when you will need to split an infinitive in order to make the meaning of your sentence clear. Do so, but do so only when the split is necessary.
Bad |
Better |
To go grocery shopping frequently will result in increased spending. |
To frequently go grocery shopping will result in increased spending. |
Atticus Finch wanted to serve justice best. |
Atticus Finch wanted to best serve justice. |