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Victo Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

Split Infinitives

Is it okay to split these infinitives?


'He correctly answered the question'.

(Instead of: 'He answered the question correctly'.)


'Joe easily defeated Mike'.

(Instead of: 'Joe defeated Mike easily'.)


'You need to regularly exercise'.

(Instead of: 'You need to exercise regularly'.)


Thanks.
  

Top answer

Only the last one is an infinitive (to + verb). Generally, the rule on splitting infinitives has been relaxed. In very formal situations, it may be good not to split infinitives.

— Vorpar

  • Only the last one is an infinitive (to + verb).
  • Generally, the rule on splitting infinitives has been relaxed.
  • In very formal situations, it may be good not to split infinitives.
  • All of the sentences should be fine.
  • For the last one, if your teacher doesn't want you to split infinitives, use "to exercise regularly".
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2 Answers
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Only the last one is an infinitive (to + verb).

Generally, the rule on splitting infinitives has been relaxed. In very formal situations, it may be good not to split infinitives.

All of the sentences should be fine. For the last one, if your teacher doesn't want you to split infinitives, use "to exercise regularly".
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victoIs it okay to split these infinitives?
A split infinitive is a construction where the particle to is separated from the verb, so only your third sentence contains a split infinitive.

To my ear, You need to regularly exercise is not very natural. I would place the adverb after the infinitive.
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