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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 618
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OP
addict
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 618 |
Hi all, it's been too long. A quickie though. Which, if either, is more correct?
1) To string together a sentence
b) To string a sentence together
Specifically, is b) a split infinitive?
Thanks
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 876
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 876 |
Although I will likely be overruled, I say they are both fine. Neither one splits the infinitive. In order to qualify, you must separate the verb from "to", as in "to always go". :0)
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 618
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OP
addict
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 618 |
Thanks for the speedy reply. I'm inclined to agree but something just feels wrong about separating "string" from "together" in the way b) does.
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 390
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 390 |
I would say both are fine. I would also ask, " what is a split infinitve"? To that question the only correct answer is, "a stupid, wrong-headed and utterly pointless proclamation which belongs in English to exactly the same extent that a bacon sandwich belongs in a mosque or synagogue".
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803 |
Somebody back in the 18th century cobbled together the rule about split infinitives out of whole cloth. There is no good reason in English to avoid splitting the infintive completely and no reason to default to not splitting the infinitive. I would say that if you're going to have a default position make it that of splitting the infinitive, avoiding it only when to split gives an awkward construction.
As for 1) and b) I would say that either is OK but that, to me, b) sounds better.
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Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 11,613 |
doc--awwright, you better have a darned good excuse! Please PM me, sir! Not that I'm not delighted to see you and all, but. Though I suppose I could at least give you a hug before I start fussing.
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