How can I avoid split infinitives?

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How can I avoid split infinitives?

To avoid split infinitives, it is important to understand what a split infinitive is. A split infinitive occurs when an adverb or adverbial phrase is placed between the word "to" and the base form of a verb in an infinitive phrase.

To avoid split infinitives, one strategy is to place the adverb or adverbial phrase before or after the infinitive verb, rather than in between. This ensures that the infinitive remains intact and maintains its clarity and emphasis.

For example, instead of saying "I want to quickly finish my homework," you can rephrase it as "I want to finish my homework quickly." By moving the adverb "quickly" after the infinitive verb "finish," the split infinitive is avoided.

Another way to avoid split infinitives is by using alternative words or phrases that convey the same meaning without splitting the infinitive. This can involve using different adverbs or rephrasing the sentence structure altogether.

Overall, being mindful of the placement of adverbs and adverbial phrases in relation to infinitive verbs can help in avoiding split infinitives and ensuring clear and effective sentence structure.