0 a phrase in which an adverb or other word is put between "to" and an infinitive. Some people consider split infinitives to be bad grammar, but they are becoming generally acceptable: --
"To boldly go" is an example of a split infinitive.
It would be possible, if there were space, to trace the complaints about split infinitives back to the beginning of the nineteenth century.
Similarly, split infinitives also cause some rage among listeners and viewers.
Why does it fail to produce the groans that meet split infinitives and instances of singular they?
Post-1960 authorities show a strong tendency to accept the split infinitive.
As the split infinitive became more common in the 19th century, some grammatical authorities sought to introduce a prescriptive rule against it.
No reason for the near disappearance of the split infinitive is known; in particular, no prohibition is recorded.
The split infinitive to boldly go has also been the subject of jokes.
The term "compound split infinitive" is not found in these dictionaries and appears to be very recent.
