I asked Yoan (CHATGPT/AI Assistant): Did I split the infinitive when I entitled a recent Podcast: "How To EFFECTIVELY stop DDOS, Brute Force, Worms, and Other Cyber Attacks?"

Yoan answered: In the sentence "How to effectively stop DDoS and cyber attacks?" there is indeed a split infinitive. A split infinitive occurs when an adverb or other word is placed between "to" and the base form of a verb. In this case, "effectively" splits the infinitive "to stop."

Split infinitives are not considered grammatically incorrect in modern English, and they are often used to add emphasis or clarity to a sentence. While some traditional grammar rules suggested avoiding split infinitives, this is no longer a strict rule in contemporary English. Many style guides and language experts now accept split infinitives as a valid and sometimes preferable construction.

So, your sentence "How to effectively stop DDoS and cyber attacks?" is grammatically correct and widely accepted in modern English.

I responded: Thank you, I am old school, so I was taught never to split the infinitives. But it seems English has evolved from that. It is a good thing as although it was grammatically incorrect to split the infinitives, everyone did it except the very few academics. But the practice has become the standard, is that not the case?

Yoan then replied: You're correct in noting that the rule against splitting infinitives was more rigid in the past, it was often taught as an absolute prohibition in formal writing. However, as the English language has evolved, so have the attitudes towards grammar rules, including the split infinitive rule.

In modern English, splitting infinitives is generally considered acceptable and even preferred in many cases when it helps to clarify the meaning or adds emphasis to a sentence. Language evolves over time, and usage ultimately shapes the rules. In practice, split infinitives have become common and are widely accepted in both formal and informal writing.

Many style guides, such as The Chicago Manual of Style & The Modern Language Association's MLA Handbook, no longer maintain strict prohibitions against split infinitives. They acknowledge that clarity and natural expression should often take precedence over old-fashioned prescriptive rules.

So, while some traditionalists may still prefer to avoid split infinitives in certain situations, it is no longer considered a grammatical error in contemporary English. The practice of splitting infinitives has indeed become the standard in many cases.

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That concludes the essence of my conversation with CHATGPT/OpenAI regarding the accuracy of a title I employed. This discussion has been enlightening, offering deeper insights into how technology has significantly advanced, making it more accessible and user-friendly. What used to necessitate formal education may no longer be the case today. YouTube's wealth of DIY videos and AI-driven tools provide invaluable assistance in navigating the complexities of professional life.

What's imperative now is for individuals to become tech-savvy, capable of framing questions for AI & utilizing technology to access answers and support. It's no surprise that enrollment in community colleges & some four-year institutions has plummeted by as much as 37 percent. College dropout rates, especially among African Americans, remain unacceptably high. Traditional institutional learning is gradually becoming obsolete, largely due to the influence of technology.

Furthermore, language itself is evolving, with popular language gaining acceptance in academic and formal writing. As we move forward, we must proactively plan for the societal changes that demand adjustments in education—what we teach and how we teach—since technology and popular culture are increasingly integrated into modern society.

Thank you for listening. Please share and subscribe to this podcast on any stream. Find your stream and support us here: https://anchor.fm/theneoliberal.

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