Split infinitive

4444mvIs it correct to use the split infinitive nowadays?

It depends on who you ask. It used to be a strict rule (and a rather fallacious one, if you trace its source).
Star Trek came out with its infinitive-splitting mission statement "to boldly go...". People happily split infinitives in modern writing, but if you are writing for a strict English teach

Ok, thak you.

AlpheccaStars People happily split infinitives in modern writing

I often find situations where it makes infinitely more sense to split.
I told you not to go isn't quite the same as I to you to not go...at least not in my head.

Philip AlpheccaStars People happily split infinitives in modern writingI often find situations where it makes infinitely more sense to split.I told you not to go isn't quite the same as I to you to not go...at least not in my head.

Do you mean that to not go carries less emphasis?

4444mv Is is correct to use the split infinitive nowadays?Thanks.

It sounds completely wrong to me with 'not' or 'never' (to not ...; to never ...), so I avoid it. Sometimes, with other adverbs, it's unavoidable.

CJ

CalifJim 4444mv Is is correct to use the split infinitive nowadays?Thanks.It sounds completely wrong to me with 'not' or 'never' (to not ...; to never ...), so I avoid it. Sometimes, with other adverbs, it's unavoidable.CJ

It sounds strange to me, too. When is it anavoidable? with what adverbs?
Thanks CJ!

4444mvWhen is it unavoidable?

It depends on the sentence, not on particular adverbs. If the sentence gets fairly complicated, with a lot of wordy clauses and phrases, you may run out of places where the adverb can be placed. In that case, maybe splitting an infinitive is the only logical choice. This doesn't happen very o

Ok CJ. Thank you.

She sobbed bitterly, "I asked you to always be true and faithful to me, only me. "

AlpheccaStarsShe sobbed bitterly, "I asked you to always be true and faithful to me, only me. "

That's the most effective way to express this sentence. Any other way is awkward.