Split infinitive

• A split infinitive is when an Adverb or another word is inserted between ‘to’ (the particle) and ‘go’ (the infinitive).

Explanation

• An infinitive (Latin for unlimited) is a Verb that cannot be used in a finite (limited) form.
• ‘To go’ is an infinitive verb preceded with the particle ‘to’.
• Using an example from Star Wars: ‘to boldly go’ where the adverb ‘boldly’ has been inserted between the particle ‘to’ and the infinitive ‘go’.
• Some verbs do not require ‘to’:  can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, and would.

Back to Literary Devices