Which sentence best uses a split infinitive to create emphasis?

Which sentence best uses a split infinitive to create emphasis?

Before getting behind the wheel, young drivers must remember to not text in the car.

Young drivers must remember to fully focus on driving when they get behind the wheel.

Young drivers must remember to always turn off cell phones before getting behind the wheel.

When driving a car, young drivers must remember to completely ignore their cell phones.

Question

Jonah Mata

English

9 May, 03:08

Which sentence best uses a split infinitive to create emphasis?

Which sentence best uses a split infinitive to create emphasis?

Before getting behind the wheel, young drivers must remember to not text in the car.

Young drivers must remember to fully focus on driving when they get behind the wheel.

Young drivers must remember to always turn off cell phones before getting behind the wheel.

When driving a car, young drivers must remember to completely ignore their cell phones.

+4

Answers (2)

Know the Answer?

Edwin Petersen · Answer 1

Answer: Young drivers must remember to always turn off cell phones before getting behind the wheel.

Paulina Welch · Answer 2

Young drivers must remember to always turn off cell phones before getting behind the wheel.

Explanation:

This has the strongest emphasis for me, because 'always' is a very harsh and completely unambiguous word in this context.

The other split infinitives, "to not text", "to fully focus", and "to completely ignore", do not have the same effect, and sound odd and unnatural, whereas "to always turn off" sounds much more definite.

Additionally, "to fully focus" contains alliteration, which trivialises the serious matter being discussed (safe driving), as it 'poeticises' the statement somewhat.