I need a grammar nazi

[Nightshade]

I've just split an infinitive, and I like it. I don't want to change it. I'm considering holding my breath until my face turns blue rather than to try and think my way around it. I'm wondering how serious a literary sin this is. How much pennance will I have to do in order to atone for my sin? Will anyone still respect me in the morning?

Thoughts?

 

[Captain Beard]

It's not a good idea to ask such questions on an internet forum. But I see no harm in split infinitives.

 

[mReEtTaIlRsEkD]

Crucify her!

 

[Captain Beard]

Nah, only Jews get that treatment.

 

[Nightshade]

It's not a good idea to ask such questions on an internet forum. But I see no harm in split infinitives.

You might think it a bad idea, but the business letter made it past my boss' scrutiny, and now I'm just plain feeling guilty. If one cannot get oneself lambasted on the Internet, then where can one?

 

[Captain Beard]

Look, while many people claim it as the sign of a poor writer, I say if your flow includes splitting an infinitive, do it. I've done it many times and I always got those stupid honors awards for my writing, so it's more a matter of opinion whether they're appropriate or not. Tell anyone who complains to blow it out their asses.

 

[teredd]

I thought you've split that infinitive long ago...
but hope this helps:

dianahacker.com/writersref

 

[Captain Beard]

She doesn't say anything you shouldn't already know. Don't use it if it sounds awkward, but don't make it sound worse by avoiding it.

 

[Nightshade]

OK, well, I left it in there and mailed the letter. If I go to grammar hell and spend eternity listening to people who talk like GW, I'm probably going to regret the choice, but until then I guess I'll just have to suck it up and move on.

 

[Necromunchkin@work]

Actually, there's a bit of debate about the acceptability of split infinitives within English grammar, and while MLA and other prescriptive viewpoints will argue against it, it is now so accepted that I've seen it in national periodicals and many other formats. Quite frankly, among grammar sins this barely ranks all things considered. Judge by how the sentence sounds more than the priniciple in this case.