Examples of Split Infinitives are shown in the table below. If the sentence sounds awkward by correcting the split, our rule of thumb is to go with what makes the most sense in the context of your writing and for the ease of reading. You may split infinitives without realizing you are, and it might impact your writing. You will improve your English in only 5 minutes per day, guaranteed! However, verbs of perception such as “hear,” “see,” “watch,” “feel,” etc. Hair is often damaged by overwashing. (Infinitives never function in sentences as verbs but rather as adverbs, adjectives, or nouns—but that issue is a topic for another discussion altogether.) I simply want to live. An infinitive is the basic form of a verb. Remember to always rinse out chlorine or salt water. I’ve been a drudge too long. You just need to closely follow a few steps. Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! I simply want to live.

", is a formal promise that a person swears to before taking office.).

between the modal and the bare infinitive →.

Barack Obama, who had memorized the oath, tried to resolve the difference mid-sentence. Air traffic continues tosteadily return to normal across Europe. It should be noted that the term 'split infinitive' is a misnomer: nothing is being split. Unexpectedly, the Chief Justice changed the word order of the traditional oath. I want to simply live. The speaker is tired of going to work, worrying about responsibility. (An oath is a formal promise that a person swears to before taking office.). The negative infinitive is formed by adding not in front of any form of the infinitive. Weather really should not cause excessive delays. right on network TV. Air traffic continues to steadily return to normal across Europe. Grammar-Quizzes › Adverbials › Adverbs › Adverbs Splitting Verbs. The adverb is placed between the auxiliary verb and the main verb â€” the auxiliary and main verb are split apart. You gave three examples to show that splitting infinitives is “the only way to express the thought to be conveyed.”. A  modal has a single form for person and number.

There could be confusion by some as to whether vigorously relates to promote or exercise, hence writing “to vigorously promote exercise” could be clearer, unless of course the intent was “to promote vigorous exercise.”.

I will execute the office of president of the United States faithfully.

What I find particularly gripping in the latter sentence is the rhythm. Transposing the subject and auxiliary verb is done in more formal speech such as an oath.

Then check to see that the meaning is clear. Subscribers get access to our archives with 800+ interactive exercises!