Split Infinitive:
- What Is a Split Infinitive? A split infinitive involves placing an adverb or other word/phrase between the word “to” and an infinitive verb (e.g. “go”): “to boldly go”. Historically, there was a rule against splitting infinitives. But the reasons for such a rule are antiquated and have no application to today’s legal-writing landscape.
Rule: Split the infinitive when the resulting sentence is clearer.
Example #1:
- NOT “He agreed promptly to settle the lawsuit once he received our offer.”
- BUT “He agreed to promptly settle the lawsuit once he received our offer.”
- Why: In the first version, can you tell what was done promptly? Was it his agreement? Or was it the settlement? Avoid this ambiguity by splitting the infinitive.
Example #2:
- NOT “Plaintiff failed properly to allege damages.”
- BUT “Plaintiff failed to properly allege damages.”
- Why: The reason is self-evident: the first version sounds awkward, clunky, and nonsensical.
For more on split infinitives, click read this article.
And for some practice problems, you need to boldly go to the questions below.
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