Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
A split infinitive occurs when you place an adverb between the particle 'to' and the base verb for emphasis or clarity.
- Standard: 'to' + 'verb' (to go). Split: 'to' + 'adverb' + 'verb' (to boldly go).
- Use it to avoid ambiguity: 'to quickly leave' is clearer than 'quickly to leave'.
- Modern style allows it, but some formal academic circles still prefer avoiding it.
Overview
to + verb가 있습니다. 이는 우리가 채울 수 있는 아름다운 틈을 제공합니다.To boldly go where no man has gone before를 들어보셨을 것입니다. 이 구절은 구식 문법 교사들에게 날리는 궁극적인 일침입니다. 부정사 분리는 to와 verb 사이에 부사(adverb)를 넣을 때 발생합니다.To go boldly라고 말하기를 원했습니다. 하지만 To go boldly는 빅토리아 시대의 시처럼 들립니다.To boldly go는 하나의 사명처럼 들립니다. C2 레벨에서 여러분은 단지 규칙을 배우는 것이 아닙니다. 스타일 있게 규칙을 깨는 법을 배우는 것입니다.How This Grammar Works
to finish와 같은 표준 부정사를 가져옵니다. 여러분은 어떻게 끝내는지(*how*)를 강조하고 싶어 합니다.finally와 같은 부사를 가져와서 바로 중간에 떨어뜨립니다. 이제 to finally finish가 되었습니다. 이것은 단지 반항적인 태도에 관한 것이 아닙니다.to와 verb는 빵입니다.
Formation Pattern
to 뒤에 동사 원형이 오는 형태입니다. 예: to understand.
fully.
to와 verb 사이에 부사를 삽입하세요.
to + adverb + verb입니다. 예: to fully understand.
When To Use It
I want to personally thank you for the opportunity. 이것은 I want to thank you personally보다 훨씬 더 진실되게 들립니다.
She decided to quickly leave라고 말하면 명확합니다.
She decided quickly to leave라고 하면, 그녀가 빨리 결정했다는 것일까요? 아니면 떠나는 것이 빨랐다는 것일까요?
Trying to actually live my best life. 이것은 Trying to live my best life actually보다 더 강하게 와닿습니다.
Common Mistakes
to와 verb 사이에 전체 구절을 넣지 마세요. To as quickly as humanly possible run은 재앙입니다. 한두 단어로 유지하세요. 또 다른 실수는 불필요한 부사를 «끼워 넣는» 것입니다. 동사가 이미 부사의 의미를 내포하고 있다면 분리하지 마세요. To loudly shout은 군더더기입니다. 소리 지르는 것(shout)은 이미 크게(loudly) 하는 것이니까요. 아주 구체적인 경우가 아니라면 not과 같은 부정어와 함께 분리하는 것은 피하세요. To not go가 표준입니다. To never again see는 효과적인 드라마틱한 분리입니다. 하지만 to not ever go는 그냥 지저분할 뿐입니다. 단지 튀어 보이기 위해 분리하지 마세요. 리듬을 깬다면 그것은 실수입니다. 여러분의 목표는 매끄럽고 세련된 분위기이지, 문법적인 충돌 사고가 아닙니다.Contrast With Similar Patterns
- 분리되지 않음:
He prepared to enter silently.
(입장에 초점). - 분리됨:
He prepared
(침묵에 초점).to silently enter.
He silently prepared to enter.이제 준비가 조용했던 것이지, 반드시 입장이 조용했던 것은 아닙니다. 배치가 전부입니다. C2 영어에서 이러한 작은 변화는 여러분의 슈퍼파워입니다. 여러분은 단지 데이터를 전송하는 것이 아닙니다. 단어로 그림을 그리는 것입니다. 원하는 곳에 카메라의 초점을 맞추기 위해 분리를 사용하세요.
Quick FAQ
이것은 기술적으로 오류인가요?
아니요, 스타일적인 선택입니다. 옥스퍼드 영어 사전조차도 괜찮다고 말합니다.
학술 논문에서 사용해도 되나요?
네, 하지만 드물게 사용하세요. 단순히 재미를 위해서가 아니라 명확성을 위해 사용하세요.
모든 동사에 적용되나요?
네, 하지만 동작 동사와 심리 상태를 나타내는 동사에서 가장 흔합니다.
부사를 두 개 사용할 수 있나요?
가능하지만 위험합니다. To slowly and carefully walk는 괜찮지만, 그 이상은 혼란스럽습니다.
선생님은 왜 틀렸다고 하셨을까요?
아마도 1850년대의 규칙을 따르고 계셨을 것입니다. 지금은 2026년이라고 말씀드리거나 이 가이드를 보여주세요.
격식의 수준이 달라지나요?
종종 어조가 더 현대적이고 직접적으로 느껴지게 합니다.
가장 유명한 예시는 무엇인가요?
단연 스타트렉의 To boldly go입니다. 우주: 문법에게도 최후의 개척지입니다.
Infinitive Placement Comparison
| Type | Structure | Example | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Standard
|
to + verb + adverb
|
To go boldly
|
Neutral/Traditional
|
|
Split
|
to + adverb + verb
|
To boldly go
|
Emphatic/Rhythmic
|
|
Negative Standard
|
not + to + verb
|
Not to fail
|
Formal/Standard
|
|
Negative Split
|
to + not + verb
|
To not fail
|
Conversational/Strong
|
|
Compound Split
|
to + adv + and + adv + verb
|
To fully and clearly see
|
Highly Descriptive
|
Meanings
The practice of placing a word or phrase (usually an adverb) between 'to' and the bare infinitive form of a verb.
Emphasis
Using the split to draw specific attention to the manner of the action.
“I want you to really think about this.”
“She needs to actually try for once.”
Clarity/Ambiguity Avoidance
Splitting the infinitive to ensure the adverb modifies the correct verb in a complex sentence.
“He agreed to immediately help us (He will help now).”
“He agreed immediately to help us (The agreement happened now).”
Negative Splitting
Placing 'not' between 'to' and the verb for stylistic weight.
“The challenge is to not fail.”
“I was told to not worry.”
Reference Table
| 구조 | 예시 | 효과/뉘앙스 | 사용 시점 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
분리 부정사 (Split)
|
`to boldly go`
|
강렬함, 동사를 직접적으로 수식
|
명확성, 강조, 자연스러운 흐름이 필요할 때
|
|
비분리 (부사 앞 배치)
|
`boldly to go`
|
어색함, 현대 영어에서 드묾
|
거의 사용되지 않음
|
|
비분리 (부사 뒤 배치)
|
`to go boldly`
|
강조가 덜함, 모호할 수 있음
|
부사를 덜 강조하고 싶을 때
|
|
다중 부사 분리
|
`to very quickly understand`
|
여러 수식어를 통한 정밀함
|
정확한 묘사가 필요할 때
|
|
부사구 분리
|
`to with great skill perform`
|
묘사적이지만 문장이 무거워짐
|
특정한 효과를 위해 드물게 사용
|
|
부정 부사 분리
|
`to never yield`
|
강력한 부정, 명확한 의지
|
절대적인 거부나 부재를 나타낼 때
|
격식 수준 스펙트럼
To understand the situation fully (General comprehension)
To fully understand the situation (General comprehension)
To really get what's going on (General comprehension)
To lowkey get the vibe (General comprehension)
분리 부정사의 세계
장점
- 강조 Focus on adverb
- 명확성 Avoid ambiguity
- 흐름 Natural sound
예시
- to boldly go Star Trek classic
- to quickly run Speed of action
- to always remember Continuous action
부사 종류
- -ly 부사 quickly, fully
- 짧은 부사 just, never
- 부사구 with precision
피해야 할 때
- 과도한 분리 Too many words
- 어색함 Sounds bad
- 보수적 문맥 Traditional readers
분리 vs 비분리: 뉘앙스와 영향
부정사를 분리할까요?
명확성이나 강조가 개선되나요?
소리 내어 읽었을 때 자연스러운가요?
사이에 들어가는 단어가 너무 많나요?
독자가 아주 보수적인 문법학자인가요?
자주 쓰이는 분리 부사
강조
- • truly
- • really
- • completely
- • fully
- • totally
방식
- • quickly
- • gently
- • carefully
- • boldly
- • efficiently
빈도/시간
- • always
- • never
- • often
- • soon
- • just
- • finally
정도
- • further
- • greatly
- • radically
- • barely
수준별 예문
I want to really help you.
I want to really help you.
Try to slowly speak.
Try to slowly speak.
He needs to quickly run.
He needs to quickly run.
I like to always win.
I like to always win.
You need to carefully open the box.
You need to carefully open the box.
She decided to never go back.
She decided to never go back.
We hope to soon see you.
We hope to soon see you.
It is hard to perfectly cook rice.
It is hard to perfectly cook rice.
The manager asked us to seriously consider the offer.
The manager asked us to seriously consider the offer.
I was told to not touch the buttons.
I was told to not touch the buttons.
They want to significantly improve the software.
They want to significantly improve the software.
He tried to quietly enter the room.
He tried to quietly enter the room.
The government plans to further investigate the matter.
The government plans to further investigate the matter.
It is essential to properly maintain your vehicle.
It is essential to properly maintain your vehicle.
She was able to successfully complete the marathon.
She was able to successfully complete the marathon.
We need to effectively communicate our goals.
We need to effectively communicate our goals.
The witness was asked to truthfully and accurately recount the events.
The witness was asked to truthfully and accurately recount the events.
The author tends to deliberately obscure the protagonist's motives.
The author tends to deliberately obscure the protagonist's motives.
The company sought to aggressively expand its market share.
The company sought to aggressively expand its market share.
It is a mistake to simply assume that the data is correct.
It is a mistake to simply assume that the data is correct.
The diplomat's task was to subtly yet firmly convey the administration's displeasure.
The diplomat's task was to subtly yet firmly convey the administration's displeasure.
To truly understand the poem, one must look beyond the literal meaning.
To truly understand the poem, one must look beyond the literal meaning.
The board decided to irrevocably and unconditionally terminate the contract.
The board decided to irrevocably and unconditionally terminate the contract.
He was determined to not only survive but to actually thrive in the new environment.
He was determined to not only survive but to actually thrive in the new environment.
혼동하기 쉬운
Learners often place adverbs in positions where they could modify the preceding or following verb.
자주 하는 실수
I want to really to go.
I want to really go.
To go really.
To really go.
He decided to not to eat.
He decided to not eat.
I hope to quickly and without any trouble finish.
I hope to finish quickly and without any trouble.
He failed to completely and utterly and without reservation apologize.
He failed to apologize completely, utterly, and without reservation.
문장 패턴
It is important to ___ ___.
The goal is to ___ and ___ ___.
Real World Usage
I hope to significantly contribute to your team.
I need to literally go right now.
The study aims to better understand the underlying causes.
The parties agree to mutually terminate the agreement.
I'm about to finally post the vlog!
Be sure to thoroughly whisk the eggs.
명확성과 흐름을 최우선으로!
to boldly use 하세요!과도한 분리는 금물
to very quickly and efficiently entirely complete처럼 너무 길게 늘어뜨리지 않도록 주의하세요.
귀로 들어보세요
to quickly finish 처럼요.독자를 고려하세요
to clearly state 하는 것이 전혀 문제없답니다.Smart Tips
Try splitting the infinitive to see if it adds more 'punch' to your sentence.
Switch to 'to not' for a more modern, conversational feel.
Split the infinitive to ensure the adverb only modifies the action verb.
Do NOT split. Move the long phrase to the end of the sentence.
발음
Stress the Adverb
When splitting an infinitive, the stress usually falls on the adverb to highlight the manner of the action.
Rising-Falling
to BOLDly go
Conveys confidence and emphasis.
암기하기
기억법
Remember 'Star Trek': To BOLDLY go. If Captain Kirk can do it, you can too!
시각적 연상
Imagine a giant wedge (the adverb) being driven between the words 'to' and 'verb'. The wedge makes the whole structure stronger and more visible.
Rhyme
When 'to' and 'verb' are split apart, the adverb speaks from the heart.
Story
A grammarian in 1860 tried to glue 'to' and 'run' together with Latin glue. But the English language was too strong; it popped an 'adverb' right in the middle to show everyone how it's done.
Word Web
챌린지
Write three sentences about your career goals using split infinitives (e.g., 'I want to significantly increase...').
문화 노트
Americans are generally very comfortable with split infinitives, especially in media and business.
Some older British style guides (and older generations) may still view it as a sign of 'lazy' writing, though this is changing rapidly.
The phrase 'To boldly go' from Star Trek is the most famous split infinitive in history and is often used to defend the construction.
The 'rule' against split infinitives was popularized by Henry Alford in 1864, who based it on Latin grammar.
대화 시작하기
What is one thing you want to completely change about your routine?
In your opinion, is it better to slowly build a career or to quickly reach the top?
일기 주제
자주 하는 실수
Test Yourself
The manager asked her ___ complete the urgent task.
quickly를 넣으면 업무의 신속함을 즉각적으로 강조하게 되어 가장 자연스럽고 힘 있는 문장이 됩니다.Find and fix the mistake:
We aim to make sure entirely that the data is accurate.
to make sure entirely는 다소 어색하게 들릴 수 있어요. entirely로 부정사를 분리하면 확인 작업의 철저함을 더 매끄럽게 강조할 수 있습니다.Choose the correct sentence:
at the earliest opportunity를 to와 return 사이에 배치하면 동사를 직접 수식하게 되어 문장의 모호함이 사라지고 자연스러워집니다.Score: /3
연습 문제
8 exercisesThe company needs...
If you want to win, you need ___.
Find and fix the mistake:
He decided quickly to leave the party.
I decided ___.
Splitting an infinitive is a grammatical error in modern English.
Identify the split infinitive:
A: Should I tell him the truth? B: I think you need ___.
It is easy ___.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesIt's important ___ remember your roots.
The company decided ___ restructure its global operations.
I need to ensure thoroughly that all safety protocols are followed.
She resolved to, after much deliberation, resign from her position.
Choose the correct sentence:
Choose the correct sentence:
다음 문장을 영어로 번역하세요: '목표는 품질을 획기적으로 개선하는 것입니다.'
다음 문장을 영어로 번역하세요: '그녀는 시험 공부를 진지하게 하기 시작했습니다.'
단어들을 배열하여 문장을 만드세요:
단어들을 배열하여 문장을 만드세요:
부정과 어울리는 동사를 연결하세요.
왼쪽의 분리 부정사와 의미가 같은 오른쪽의 비분리 버전을 연결하세요.
Score: /12
자주 묻는 질문 (8)
Only if it makes the sentence confusing or ugly. If you put a 10-word phrase between 'to' and the verb, it's 'wrong' stylistically, but not grammatically.
Many teachers still follow 19th-century rules based on Latin. In Latin, you can't split an infinitive because it's one word. English is different!
Yes, but 'to not' is often more emphatic. 'I chose not to go' is neutral. 'I chose to not go' sounds like a stronger decision.
Yes. Most modern academic journals and style guides (like MLA or Chicago) allow it for the sake of clarity.
It's an adverb that sits between two verbs, making it unclear which one it modifies. Splitting the infinitive solves this by 'locking' the adverb to the second verb.
Yes, e.g., 'to fully and completely understand'. Just don't overdo it, or the sentence will become hard to follow.
You can say 'to clearly be' or 'to be clearly'. Both are common, but 'to clearly be' is the split form.
The Star Trek intro: 'To boldly go where no man has gone before.'
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Infinitive + Adverb
English infinitives are two words; Spanish are one.
Infinitive + Adverb
French cannot split the verb unit.
Adverb + zu + Infinitive
German puts the adverb before the 'to' equivalent.
Adverb + Verb-form
No particle-verb structure to split.
Masdar (Verbal Noun)
Arabic uses noun-based or clause-based structures.
Adverb + Verb
No 'to' particle exists to be split from the verb.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
관련 동영상
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