There are three positions that one might take on split infinitives:
- They are always prohibited.
- They are sometimes, but not always, prohibited.
- They are never prohibited.
Position 1 is the traditional rule. Position 2 is the current rule. Position 3 has never been the rule. There are two exceptions to the rule against split infinitives:
- A split infinitive is permissible in order to prevent ambiguity.
- A split infinitive is permissible in order to prevent awkwardness.
Yesterday, I posted a quotation by Douglas Husak. He wrote:
Estimates of the amount of drunk driving vary widely, partly because of the inability of respondents to accurately report [sic] whether or not they have ever committed the offense.
I inserted "[sic]" because (1) Husak split an infinitive and (2) neither of the exceptions applies. Here is what he should have written:
Estimates of the amount of drunk driving vary widely, partly because of the inability of respondents accurately to report whether or not they have ever committed the offense.
This sentence is neither ambiguous nor awkward.
