split infinitive

split in·fin·i·tive

S s

Definitions of split infinitive words

noun split infinitive an expression in which there is a word or phrase, especially an adverb or adverbial phrase, between to and its accompanying verb form in an infinitive, as in to readily understand. 1
countable noun split infinitive A split infinitive is a structure in which an adverb is put between 'to' and the infinitive of a verb, as in 'to really experience it'. Some people think it is incorrect to use split infinitives. 0
noun split infinitive (in English grammar) an infinitive used with another word between to (the infinitive marker) and the verb itself, as in I want to really finish it this time 0
noun split infinitive an infinitive with an adverb or other modifier placed between to and the verb form (Ex.: he decided to gradually change his methods): although some object to this construction, many writers use split infinitives where ambiguity or wrong emphasis would otherwise result 0

before 1895

One of the 18% newest English words

First recorded in 1895-1900

noun

adjective

verb

adverb

pronoun

preposition

conjunction

determiner

exclamation

This term is known only to a narrow circle of people with rare knowledge. Only 1% of English native speakers know the meaning of this word.

According to our data most of word are more popular. This word is almost not used. It has a much more popular synonym.

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

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