The split infinitive

"Splitting an infinitive" (i.e. putting an adverb between "to" and the verb) is usually unacceptable and should generally be avoided.

This construction is very old. But in modern times there has grown the feeling that it is somehow wrong to thus split an infinitive. Split infinitives can be found, but they are hard to find:

I wanted to keep looking at her because I wanted to never take my eyes from her, but still I had to lower my eyes. (E.Segal. Love Story. N-Y., 1971, p. 127)

I was afraid to even speak the word "okay". (p. 127).

The lawyer friend refused to help Felix in any manner, refused to even answer his telephone calls. (M.Puzo. The Godfather, L., 1975, p. 305).

He knew that it was Nino's success more than his. He resigned himself to never being able to again sing professionally. (M.Puzo, p. 194).

But we have to get an apartment. – What for? – Christie, do you expect me to always live at the Astor with your two wardrobe trunks in the living room? (J.Susann. The Love Machine. N-Y., 1970, p. 299).

At the same instant several rough-looking fellows came in and removed the red carpet, so as to entirely clear the room. (A.Conan Doyle. Tales of Horror and Mystery. L., 1963, p. 29).

There's nothing worse than for a parent to ill treat a child. (Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, 1995, p. 550).

With some modifiers the split infinitive is very hard to avoid:

This is sure to more than make up for our losses.

He liked to half close his eyes.

It's difficult to really understand the theory of relativity.

Your safest rule will be not to split an infinitive without a compelling reason. (L.Strong)

The functions of the infinitive

The finite verb has only one function in the sentence – that of the predicate (or part of it). The infinitive can be any part of the sentence but the predicate.

The infinitive can have various functions in the sentence.

1.4.1. The infinitive can be used as the subject of a sentence, often introduced by the "anticipatory it":

To ease credit restrictions at this stage would be unwise.

It's difficult to find a place to park in the city centre.

Do you think it is safe to drink this water?

It's a surprise to be invited.

The infinitive cannot be used as the predicate of a sentence but it can be part of the predicate (nominal or verbal).

In the nominal predicate the infinitive is either a predicative or a secondary predicative.

The infinitive used after a link verb is a predicative:

Her first impulse was to scream.

My aim is to start up my own company.

The infinitive used after a link verb and an adjective is a secondary predicative (the adjective and the infinitive are closely connected and form the second part of the nominal predicate, i.e. a predicative).

The infinitive in this pattern usually refers to things done to someone or something. The subject of the sentence is also an object of the action of the infinitive.

She is amusing to be with.

English is difficult to learn well.

Do you think this water is safe to drink?

1.4.2.3. The infinitive used after an aspective or a modal verb is part of a compound verbal predicate. The infinitive is used in this function after:

1) aspective verbs (denoting the beginning, the duration or the end of an action):

The whole building suddenly began to shake.

Mr Adams said that he would not hesitate to call the police if the party continued to disturb the entire street.

2) modal verbs and the expressions had better, would rather:

Life belts must not be removed.

Everyone knows what they have to do, don't they?

Passengers should check in at the airport thirty minutes before take-off.

We'd better stop for petrol soon. The tank is almost empty.

1.4.3. The infinitive is used as an object to verbs expressing:

1) order, request, permission, etc. such as to order, bid, beg, ask, implore, promise, allow, permit, help, assist, persuade, advise:

A rather officious policeman demanded to see my driving licence.

The defeated champion swore to have his revenge.

2) mental perception and emotions, such as to forget, remember, learn, prefer, love, like, hate, bear (can't bear):

We all love to talk about ourselves.

I can't bear to see people suffering.

3) to some adjectives and adjectivized participles: happy, glad, pleased, delighted, sorry, afraid, angry, astonished:

I was afraid to go near the dog because I was afraid of being bitten.

I was surprised to hear that Diane had got a new job.

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