disc grammar uk schools thu 3 july 1997 larry koch wrote read contribution linguist list forwarded must say disappointed see teacher english promoting fallacy split infinitive simply thing first particle always part infinite e g modal verbs second placing adverb infinitive often way sentence makes sense terms modifying verb likewise placing adverb elsewhere often makes sentence less understandable think misunderstood saying contribution list promote fallacy split infinitive syllabus teach requires descriptive rather prescriptive approach questions set external examining board however often require students show commitment descriptivism commenting critically various prescriptive rules laid past orwell example need know actives passives infinitives sixteenyear old students come usually taught terminology apparently teachers terrified prescriptive know teach infinitives contain also give students examples e g asked kindly apologise placing adverb anywhere else would cause ambiguity jennifer chew