Learn Spoken English from the Best Tutors
Affordable fees 1-1 or Group class Flexible Timings Verified Tutors Search in
Asked by Shobhitha Last Modified
Answer 
Balaji T S
Professional with 26 years experience in Well Known Corporates and Top Education Institutes.
Some consider the rule against splitting infinitives as one of the most debated and possibly unnecessary grammar rules in English. It suggests avoiding separating the word "to" from the verb, but many modern language experts find it outdated and less relevant in today's communication. Ultimately, clear and effective communication often outweighs strict adherence to certain grammar rules that might hinder clarity or natural expression.
read less
There's a range of opinions about the utility of certain grammar rules in English, and what might be considered "useless" can vary based on context or personal perspectives. However, one rule often debated for its practicality is the prohibition against splitting infinitives.
The rule against splitting infinitives suggests that one shouldn't separate the infinitive marker "to" from the verb (e.g., "to boldly go" instead of "to go boldly"). This rule emerged from attempts to apply Latin grammar conventions to English during the 19th century, where infinitives couldn't be split due to the structure of Latin verbs.
In English, splitting infinitives can often enhance clarity or emphasize meaning. Many language experts consider the prohibition against splitting infinitives unnecessary or outdated. However, it has persisted in some formal writing or editing circles.
The "rule" against ending sentences with prepositions is another often-debated guideline. While it's traditionally discouraged in formal writing, it's considered acceptable in most modern usage, especially in spoken English and less formal contexts.
Language evolves, and grammar rules sometimes lag behind common usage or become obsolete. In practical terms, the most important aspect of grammar is effective communication. Clarity, coherence, and conveying meaning take precedence over rigid adherence to outdated or unnecessary rules. As a result, some rules deemed "useless" may be more flexible or open to interpretation in modern English usage.
Sharan Selvakumar
Corporate executive with a good language proficiency and good at math and science.
Saraswathi Srinivasan
Class I-VIII,Nursery-Kg,Spoken English/Telugu/Hindi /Tamil tutor with 20 years experience
View 8 more Answers
Related Questions
Now ask question in any of the 1000+ Categories, and get Answers from Tutors and Trainers on UrbanPro.com
Ask a QuestionRelated Lessons
Recommended Articles
Which language is more useful to learn French...
Learning any second language could be a little bit tricky. However, to learn a language, one needs to write, read, understand and speak it appropriately. Therefore, many students and professionals find it helpful in learning a foreign language from a reputable and reliable source. A second language helps them to increase...
Read full article >
Learning foreign language in India
If you think English is enough to communicate with anybody in this world, you are sadly misinformed. Statistically the highest spoken foreign language in the world is Chinese with 20.7%, followed by English at 6.2%. That means that 93.8% of people do not speak English. This makes it necessary to learn another foreign language...
Read full article >
Choosing the right Foreign Language to learn...
When globalization was out of picture, it was enough to know just the mother tongue. Since globalization and out-sourcing have become part of life, there is a nagging need to learn new languages. Foreign languages help us to communicate with potential clients, sell our ideas and bond with their culture. It could be opening...
Read full article >
Job Prospects for German Language Learners
Due to globalization of the Indian economy, the demand for learning foreign languages is on the rise. ITES (Information Technology Enabled Service) and Outsourcing have brought a lot of job opportunities paving the way for the learning foreign languages. German is the native language of more than 100 million people in...
Read full article >
Looking for Spoken English classes?
Learn from the Best Tutors on UrbanPro
Are you a Tutor or Training Institute?
Join UrbanPro Today to find students near youThe best tutors for Spoken English Classes are on UrbanPro
The best Tutors for Spoken English Classes are on UrbanPro
107
