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I think I have my answer! Split infinitives do not appear to be important in academic writing any more. Thank you to all who replied for your perspectives! From: learning development in higher education network [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of John Sutter Sent: 03 December 2013 13:08 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Grammar pedantry Hi all, I must say my jaw rather dropped at the split infinitive post. For all the apparent value placed in most of our institutions placed on the ability to be 'critical', there seems to be very little corresponding awareness among academics of even the basics of a modern critical approach to language - utterly crucial given the way language underpins education. It seems most universities (or teaching staff) simply don't understand that 'correctness' is an extremely problematic concept in linguistics these days, that language and power are highly intertwined, and that 'grammar' is often used to socially discriminate and exclude (like wot accent is, though that's less socially acceptable nowadays). The split infinitive 'correction' is the equivalent of being excluded from a garden party because you're holding your teacup the wrong way, or because you is not white... I could go on for pages about this! All best John John Sutter Learning Enhancement and Support Manager (Language and Learning Development) Canterbury, University for the Creative Arts New Dover Road Canterbury Kent CT1 3AN Mob: 07813 836559 Skype: jssutter www.ucreative.ac.uk<http://www.ucreative.ac.uk> From: learning development in higher education network [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Andrew Doig Sent: 03 December 2013 11:01 To: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> Subject: Re: Grammar pedantry I agree with Carina, there are much better battles to fight than useless rules that come from Latin grammarians! Boldly go and allow the rash splitting of infinitives, I say!! Andrew Andrew Doig Associate Professor Instructional Developer Learning Technologies Southampton Solent University [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> 023 8031 9187 http://portal.solent.ac.uk/andrewdoig From: Carina Buckley <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>> To: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> Date: 03/12/2013 10:57 Subject: Re: Grammar pedantry Sent by: learning development in higher education network <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>> ________________________________ I love grammar :) As far as I'm aware, the split infinitive rule was introduced by some pesky Victorian in a bid to make English better fit the rules of Latin, but since English is essentially a Germanic language, this rule, like the 'don't end a sentence on a preposition' one, doesn't really work. I would say, go cook some sprouts, embrace the tinsel, and ignore irritating Victorians ;) Carina Dr Carina Buckley Learning Skills Tutor Mountbatten Library (ML002) Southampton Solent University Vice Chair, ALDinHE Chair of Research and Development, ALDinHE email: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> tel: 023 8031 9336 (x3336) www.twitter.com/SucceedAtSolent From: Beeson Helena <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>> To: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> Date: 03/12/2013 10:53 Subject: Grammar pedantry Sent by: learning development in higher education network <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>> ________________________________ 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 The University of Northampton joins the global Social Enterprise elite and is the first Ashoka U 'Changemaker Campus' in the UK; recognised for the excellence of our extensive social enterprise, innovation and entrepreneurship provision. See more about this on our website www.changemakercampus.org.uk<http://changemakercampus.org.uk/> 96% of our graduates are in employment or further study six months after completing their courses. See more about this on our website www.northampton.ac.uk/about-us<http://www.northampton.ac.uk/about-us> This e-mail is private and may be confidential and is for the intended recipient only. If you are not the intended recipient you are strictly prohibited from using, printing, copying, distributing or disseminating this e-mail or any information contained in it. We virus scan all E-mails leaving The University of Northampton but no warranty is given that this E-mail and any attachments are virus free. You should undertake your own virus checking. The right to monitor E-mail communications through our networks is reserved by us. The University of Northampton joins the global Social Enterprise elite and is the first Ashoka U 'Changemaker Campus' in the UK; recognised for the excellence of our extensive social enterprise, innovation and entrepreneurship provision. See more about this on our website http://changemakercampus.org.uk 96% of our graduates are in employment or further study six months after completing their courses. See more about this on our website http://www.northampton.ac.uk/about-us This e-mail is private and may be confidential and is for the intended recipient only. If you are not the intended recipient you are strictly prohibited from using, printing, copying, distributing or disseminating this e-mail or any information contained in it. We virus scan all E-mails leaving The University of Northampton but no warranty is given that this E-mail and any attachments are virus free. You should undertake your own virus checking. The right to monitor E-mail communications through our networks is reserved by us.