September 11, 2017 -

I was amazed to learn when spell checking my latest WIP, the program highlighted certain groupings of words as incorrect. According to the program, split infinitives are a no-no. I set out to learn all I could in a short time about split infinitives…you know, I GOOGLED it--and here’s what I learned:

SPLIT INFINITIVES are a construction of words consisting of an infinitive with an adverb or other word inserted between to and the verb, e.g., she seems to really like it.

I seem to have a real issue with split infinitives. It’s almost like I can’t help myself. Are they needed? Not one bit. Does the sentence mean the same without splitting the infinitive? Of course. So again, “to really like it” means the same as “to like it.”

Yeah, but how do I convey the meaning that someone REALLY likes it? I remember an earlier blog where I wrote about the sins of being a lazy writer. Go back and read that blog--it refers to a different kind of being lazy, but the point is the same. Once I’m aware of poorly-written text, I must improve. So “to boldly go…” should be something like “to go where no man has gone before, eyes determined, body rigid, steps purposeful.” Or you can split the darn infinitive and leave it as “to boldly go.” From what I glean, there is no hard rule against using a split infinitive. After all, if it was good enough for Shakespeare, it’s good enough for me. To be or to really be…that is my question.

Update: I received an email late Saturday stating my Editors were hoping to up my release date to October of THIS YEAR. Like, in a few weeks? I haven’t even begun the requested revision. Is that even possible, you might ask. Stay tuned.