I can think of two very good reasons for not splitting an infinitive. 1. Because you feel that the rules of English ought to conform to the grammatical precepts of a language that died a thousand years ago. 2. Because you wish to cling to a pointless affectation of usage that is without the support of any recognized authority of the last 200 years, even at the cost of composing sentences that are ambiguous, inelegant, and patently contorted.
In "The Mother Tongue," Bill Bryson discusses the debate over splitting infinitives in English grammar, highlighting the reasons some people oppose this practice. He presents two key arguments against splitting infinitives: first, that it aligns with outdated grammatical rules from a long-gone language, and second, that it reflects an unnecessary adherence to outdated customs that lack support from modern authorities.
Bryson emphasizes that following these old rules can often lead to awkward, unclear, and convoluted sentences. He suggests that such rigid adherence to traditional grammar can undermine effective communication, ultimately proposing a more flexible approach to language that accommodates clarity and elegance over strict conformity.
