Rule #1 for Mo Betta' Writing

One of the first rules for good writing is that the writer must remember to never split an infinitive. Right here that rule has been broken. Often the word to marks a verb as an infinitive: “to walk,” “to think,” “to fly,” “to exist.”

Examples of infinitives are much easier to illustrate than to define that part of grammar. Never is an adverb and its placement in the opening sentence "splits" the infinitive, to split.

The same goes for a split, or cleft, infinitive. Probably the most recognizable split infinitive is this: To boldly go where no man has gone before! To go is the infinitive that is split by the adverb boldly.

In Latin, infinitives are only one word and cannot, therefore, be split. Modeling of English style writing on Latin has in the past often been considered the epitome of good writing. An example of the misguided application of this notion is the injunction against splitting the English infinitive.

Many modern speakers and writers depend on their ear for a natural sentence rather than arbitrary rule. In order to avoid awkward or stilted language there are occasions when a split infinitive is preferable.

Now, if anyone even bothers to read this, just who the hell cares? Blogs are for fun. Split away!