To put it in linguistic geek speak: "Are split infinitives really a tool of the devil?" :-)
Just in case the issue hasn't been gnawing at you, let's start with a quick review: what is a split infinitive? Well it's quite simple. An infinitive is a form of a verb (a doing word) that (usually) starts with the word "to". For example, "to run", "to go" and "to laugh" are all infinitives.
When we put a another word between "to" and the verb, we're said to have "split" the infinitive. For example: "to unsteadily run", "to boldly go" or "to quietly laugh".
Are these grammatically naughty or not?
Short answer: no.
The traditional "rule" that one should not split infinitives stems from the fact that it is not done in Latin. Purists argue (incorrectly in my opinion) that because Latin doesn't do it, English shouldn't.
In his wonderful book "The Mother Tongue", prolific author Bill Bryson provides the following simple rebuttal:
