What is a split infinitive?

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What is a split infinitive?

A split infinitive is a grammatical construction in English where an adverb or adverbial phrase is placed between the particle "to" and the base form of a verb in the infinitive form. This construction splits the infinitive into two parts. For example, in the sentence "To boldly go where no man has gone before," the adverb "boldly" splits the infinitive "to go." Split infinitives are often used for emphasis or to achieve a specific stylistic effect. However, they have been traditionally frowned upon in formal writing, and some grammar purists argue that they should be avoided.