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1. 

   PluckyMunky
   

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   The error message contains a split infinitive: "You need to actually submit some content!"

   This is such a worry.

   Posted 2 years ago #
2. 

   MrChigleysAunt
   

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   Oooh, dodgy ground. Whilst split infinitives are often ugly, there's no rule against them. And here, I think it's better than the alternatives "You need actually to submit some content" or "You need to submit some content actually". Now, if you'd complained that the word "actually" is superfluous here, then I'd agree.
   So worry not.

   Posted 2 years ago #
3. 

   PluckyMunky
   

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   Yes, I have to agree, Mr Aunt, that 'actually' is redundant, actually, here. Bless us all. I still like your dog.

   Posted 2 years ago #
4. 

   MrChigleysAunt
   

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   Redundant! that was the word I was thinking of (or of which I was thinking, if you prefer).
   It is probably because Charlie is still a very nice dog indeed. Though he does seem to be a tick magnet. Ugh, horrible things.

   Posted 2 years ago #
5. 

   Peter
   

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   I had to sneakily go to wikipedia to quickly check what a split infinitive was.

   (many apologies)

   Posted 2 years ago #
6. 

   sauce
   

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   To boldly split an infinitive ...
   I can't be arsed to dig Fowler out but, if I remember correctly, splitting an infinitive is no longer reason to be Trussed (as in Lynne).
   But, actually, actually is indeed redundant.

   Posted 2 years ago #
7. 

   Mr.3374
   

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   You trust Wikipedia Peter?
   Does Beckham still play in goal for Greece?

   Posted 2 years ago #
8. 

   MrChigleysAunt
   

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   The explanation I have heard for the supposed rule about splitting infinitives is as follows:
   Before the British, the Romans were the preeminent civilisation, and Latin was the Queen of languages.
   Latin doesn't have infinitives that can be split.
   The British became top dogs and were the Romans' natural successors. English took the place of Latin.
   If Latin didn't have splittable infinitives then, dammit, English shouldn't either.

   I have no idea if that's true, but it's stupid enough to be. All to do with Victorian notions of beauty and empire and lord knows what else.

   Posted 2 years ago #
9. 

   sauce
   

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   Expect "Thou shalt not split infinitives" to be in Gove's new curriculum, in that case.

   Posted 2 years ago #
10. 

    Peter
    

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    Not wishing to start a wikipedia debate Mr.3374, but I find it useful for refreshing my memory in certain cases. I think people trying to be funny would find it much easier to edit, say, David Beckham's article than the article on split infinitives. Having said that, a couple of years ago one of the Profs. set us an assignment on some famous geologist or other having sneakily added a 'fact' to his wikipedia article. Apparently 80% of the responses came back with the false fact in them. Lesson learned.

    Posted 2 years ago #

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