Most people can split a banana, some can split a hair, and a select few can split an atom. But can you split an infinitive?

Splitting an infinitive (that is, inserting an adverb between to and the verb) should be avoided because (a) it typically produces an awkward construction and (b) the adverb usually functions more effectively in another location.

- WEAK: It was impossible to even see a foot ahead.
- BETTER: It was impossible to see even a foot ahead.
- WEAK: He always tries to carefully do the work.
- BETTER: He always tries to do the work carefully.

However, split the infinitive when alternative locations of the adverb produce an awkward or weakly constructed sentence.

A. Before splitting an infinitive, first try to place the adverb after the object of the infinitive. In many instances the adverb functions most effectively in that location.
- You ought to review these plans thoroughly.
(BETTER THAN: You ought to thoroughly review these plans.)
- I need to make the decision quickly.
(BETTER THAN: I need to quickly make the decision.)

B. If step A does not produce an effective sentence, try to locate the adverb directly before or directly after the infinitive. In some cases the adverb functions effectively in this position; in other cases the resulting sentence is awkward.

CONFUSING: I want you to supervise the work that is to be done personally. (When the object of the infinitive is long or involved, it is difficult to place the adverb after the object without creating confusion. Here, personally seems to modify to be done when in fact it should modify to supervise.
AWKWARD: I want you to supervise personally the work that is to be done.
GOOD: I want you personally to supervise the work that is to be done.

C. If steps A and B fail to produce an effective sentence, try splitting the infinitive. If a good sentence results, keep it; if not, try rewording the sentence.

CONFUSING: I want you to consider Jenkins' proposal to handle all our deliveries carefully. (When carefully is located after the complete object, it no longer clearly refers to to consider.)
AWKWARD: I want you carefully to consider Jenkins' proposal to handle all our deliveries.
AWKWARD: I want you to consider carefully Jenkins' proposal to handle all our deliveries.
GOOD: I want you to carefully consider Jenkins' proposal ...

D. When an infinitive consists of to be plus a past or present participle of another verb, inserting an adverb before the participle is not considered splitting an infinitive. Nevertheless, in many such sentences it may be possible to locate the adverb to better advantage elsewhere in the sentence.

- These plans need to be thoroughly reviewed.
- Claude appears to be continually turning up with last-minute objections to any decision I make.

NOTE: By the same token, it is perfectly acceptable to position an adverb between a helping verb and a past or present participle. It is even acceptable to position an adverb within the elements of a helping verb.

- This new technology has already been effectively applied in many industries.
- I hear that Martha has been seriously considering early retirement.

Source: The Gregg Reference Manual.

America's annual celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence is Monday. Once again we urge our readers, American or other, to put aside thoughts of cookouts, vacations, and even fireworks for a moment to consider all that those people of 1776 endured to ensure life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Would we be willing to suffer as much for the same rewards? Study up on these revolutionary words, think of America's grand struggle for independence (even if you're British!) when you watch fireworks this weekend, and consider the sacrifice of those who have died (as recently as this week) to keep the country free. And long live the Revolution! Oh, and I would like a beer and chips with that burger, please.

1. consanguinity: (a) a state of war; (b) state of peace and prosperity; (c) a close relation or connection; (d) the French system of government controlling a tract of land.
2. redress: (a) a relief from distress; (b) to put in writing; (c) condescension; (d) to get dressed again.
3. DAR: (a) Daughters of the American Regime; (b) Daughters of the American Revolution; (c) Daughters of the Armed Resistance; (d) Daughters of the American Renaissance.
4. federalist: (a) an advocate of a federal union between the American colonies after the Revolution and of the adoption of the United States Constitution; (b) an American upholding the cause of the British Crown against the supporters of colonial independence during the American Revolution; (c) one who joins in a secession or maintains that secession is a right; (d) a member of the group that opposed the adoption of the United States Constitution.
5. perfidy: (a) disunion; (b) a state of lawlessness or political disorder due to the absence of governmental authority; (c) an act or an instance of disloyalty; (d) deception by artifice or stratagem in order to conceal, escape, or evade.
6. tyranny: (a) governmental indifference, apathy; (b) a government in which a small group exercises control especially for corrupt and selfish purposes; (c) oppressive power exerted by government; (d) armed insurrection.
7. promulgate: (a) to make (as a doctrine) known by open declaration; (b) to acknowledge publicly; (c) to support publicly; (d) to act (as in take up arms) in revolt.
8. Iceni: (a) ancient capital of Iceland, before the seal uprising of 1421; (b) an ancient British people that under their queen Boudicca revolted against the Romans in A.D. 60; (c) a Native American people that under their queen Sacajawea revolted against the Shawnee in 1745; (d) treatment for an injured kneecap.
9. magnanimity: (a) dominant position especially in a social hierarchy; (b) evenness of mind especially under stress; (c) splendor of surroundings; (d) the showing of or suggesting a nobility of feeling and generosity of mind.
10. usurpation: (a) the loss of unity or integrity by or as if by breaking into parts; (b) the goading or urging forward of a mob; (c) the seizing or exercising of authority or possession wrongfully; (d) none of the above.

Here are the answers to today's Vocabulary Test!