We have partnered with TradePub to bring you free industry magazines and resources - no coupons or credit cards required!

Visit: englishforums.tradepub.com


Share this topic:
This question is Not Answered
Latest post Wed, Dec 20 2006 10:09 AM by Believer. 2 replies.
Suggest an answer | | |
Believer  +  305563 Wed, 20 Dec 06 02:16 AM

Hi,

I think the general recommendation dealing with the subject of splitting an infinitive is that of a disapproval with some rare exceptions. Does the following fits the criteria for being exceptional to the general recommended guidelines? I think so. To me, the second one says more strongly the message intended.

1. Get (Getting??) them to not use actions is really difficult.

2. Get (Getting??) them not to use actions is really difficult.

Joined on Mon, Jan 2 2006
Contributing Member 1,969
Mister Micawber  +  305627 Wed, 20 Dec 06 06:53 AM

The 'rule' against splitting infinitives is long outdated, Believer, and it is a common and accepted practice by all but the most prescriptivist grammarians.  Concern yourself only if your teacher demands it.

Placement of the negative particle is normally before the to (negatives tend to front, as in I don't think he's coming), but this is a different sort of decision, because its placement can change the meaning (examples from Quirk):

His hardest decision was not to let the children attend summer camp (= his hardest decision was another decision)
His hardest decision was to not let the children attend summer camp (= his hardest decision was denying them camp).




Joined on Wed, Aug 4 2004
Yokohama
Veteran Member 30,798
'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master-- that's all.'
Believer  +  305668 Wed, 20 Dec 06 10:09 AM

Thank you, Mr. M.

I think for the sake of readers out there that I should mention that I made a mistake and said that I favor the second one when I should have said that I favor the first one since I feel that it (first one) conveys the intended meaning more clearly.

1. Get them to not use actions is really difficult.

2. Get them not to use actions is really difficult.   

© MediaCet Ltd. 2009, v5.0.3607.32596. All content posted by our users is a contribution to the public domain, this does not include imported usenet posts.*
For web related enquires please contact us on webmaster@mediacet.com, status updates are available at status.mediacet.com.
*Usenet post removal: Use 'X-No-Archive'. You may not have understood that your posts would end up in the public domain. Please send proof of the poster's email, we will remove immediately.