Acceptable Quote by Richard Lederer
“It is indeed acceptable practice to sometimes split an infinitive. If infinitive-splitting makes available just the shade of meaning you desire or if avoiding the separation creates a confusing ambiguity or patent artificiality, you are entitled to happily go ahead and split!”
About This Quote
Source Book: English Grammar for Dummies, 1995
Splitting infinitives can be fine when it clarifies meaning or avoids awkward phrasing.
In simple terms: Sometimes breaking grammar rules improves clarity.
Key Takeaway
Use split infinitives when they aid understanding.
Themes
grammar
clarity
style
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
educational
practical
When to use this quote
- editing
- teaching
- writing
- public speaking
Key Concepts
linguistics
prescriptivism
communication
Questions to Reflect On
- When does a split infinitive improve a sentence?
- Is it worth breaking a rule for style?
A Different Perspective
Overuse can appear careless or unprofessional.
![“In any case, open-seat presidential elections like 2008 just are different in character from incumbent reelects, and I think that's the most important thing about this election - is that once there's an incumbent running for reelection, most of the debate is about, "Has he [Barack Obama] done a…” quote by William Kristol](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0b0/william-kristol-9091_acceptable_in-any-case-open-seat-presidential-elect_36353.jpg)