(urth) OT: split infinitive [was Re: torturing BTQ]

[Jeffrey Brent McBeth]

On Thu, Jul 30, 2009 at 06:01:19PM -0700, Allan Anderson wrote:
> I think the functional questions are 1) does using a split infinitive allow more
> rhetorical oomph, and if so, 2) will the elegance and flash it affords
> sufficiently dazzle all but the most hardened grammarians?
> 
> or,
> 
> Will the reader be distracted from your point by the nagging worry that you've
> violated some possibly valid rule?

One of the beautiful things about spoken English is the common
practice to insert syllables, words, and phrases in the middle of
other words and phrases where the iambic rhythm largely inherent in
English allows.  I would suggest that splitting infinitives is usually
a manifestation of this larger ability (that I've not heard in Spanish
speakers, and my German coworkers claimed doesn't exist there either).
One more vulgar example is the insertion of swear words into the
middle of other words (Ex. abso-.......-lutely)

(On a poetical bent, I personally find heptameter more natural than
pentameter, though)

Jeff

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