Damn Quote by Raymond Chandler
“When I split an infinitive, God damn it, I split it so it stays split.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Big Sleep, 1939
He humorously defends splitting infinitives, insisting on keeping the grammatical choice.
In simple terms: I split infinitives and keep them split.
Key Takeaway
Embrace personal style over strict rules.
Themes
language
grammar
humor
Mood
playful
irreverent
Type
literary
humorous
When to use this quote
- writing
- editing
- teaching grammar
Key Concepts
linguistic freedom
authorial voice
creative expression
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you value rules over creativity?
- When is breaking grammar effective?
A Different Perspective
Strict grammar can limit creative expression.
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