Hi everyone,
I saw a student last week who was concerned about his academic writing. The only issue I saw was a few split infinitives which we talked through. We then looked at his upcoming assignment briefs which were
littered with ‘critically analyse’, ‘critically appraise’ etc.
I’m aware that split infinitives are used freely in spoken English, but have we lost the battle where academic writing is concerned now? Is it time for me to give up the campaign?!
I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on this increasingly archaic rule. I don’t know if my seemingly strict approach is linked to my bah humbug attitude about the arrival of Christmas in the middle of November…
To split or not to split?
Thanks all,
Helena
Helena Beeson BA (Hons) MA MCLIP AHEA
Academic Practice Tutor
CfAP
University of Northampton
St George's Avenue
Northampton
NN2 6JD
01604 893340
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