Question Regarding Infinitives

[uome1]

It's been close to 25 years since I had grammar in high school (clepped out in college), so forgive my stupidity. I have a question about infinitives, although it could also be called a gripe.

Has there been some new grammatical rule when it comes to substituing the word "and" for "to" when using infinitives?

I have seen this numerous times in nearly every story I have read.

One does not "try AND do something", you "try TO do something".

So, what's up? Am I incorrect?

 

[controllinghand]

You're correct. "Try and do something," "go and do something," and similar expressions aren't gramattical and aren't recommended for formal writing. Whether literotica stories count as formal writing is another issue.....

They're commonly used in the spoken language, however. It's probably just a matter of time before they become acceptable.

 

[Carnevil9]

"Try AND do something" is as egregious as the oft-repeated "one IN the same," and they both burn me up......Carney

 

[Seattle Zack]

I have no idea why you'd use "and" in an infinitive, unless you're trying to invoke the vernacular. In which case "thar" and "shiz" would also be acceptable.

Just remember to never split infinitives, and you'll be fine.

 

[Carnevil9]

"Just remember to never split infinitives, and you'll be fine." ... heh heh.

My understanding, which may be warped, is that splitting infinitives is nowadays considered acceptable usage. Of course I could be wrong.....Carney (who believes that it is okay to boldly go where no man has gone before)

 

[Seattle Zack]

Well, I usually side with Kilpatrick when these discussions come up, but to ham-handedly split an infinitive seems such an inelegant construction to me, why would you choose it?

 

[Verdad]

As long as we're talking bugbears, I think I'm going to break down into sobs the next time I see "I could care less."

As far as split infinitives go, sometimes, though not too often, I find them tolerable for emphasis.

Verdad