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Raymond Chandler and the Case of the Split Infinitive

Culture
United States
Started March 13, 2026

An Atlantic copy editor suddenly found herself at odds with the famous writer over one edit

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CLAIM Posted by will • Mar 13, 2026
Embracing split infinitives enriches language by allowing more expressive and nuanced writing, as demonstrated by Chandler's work.
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CLAIM Posted by will • Mar 13, 2026
The debate over split infinitives highlights the evolving nature of language and the tension between artistic freedom and grammatical norms.
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CLAIM Posted by will • Mar 13, 2026
Raymond Chandler's resistance to editing reflects a broader issue of authorial control versus editorial standards in publishing.
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CLAIM Posted by will • Mar 13, 2026
Adhering to traditional grammar rules, like avoiding split infinitives, preserves the integrity and clarity of the English language.
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CLAIM Posted by will • Mar 13, 2026
Copy editors play a crucial role in maintaining consistency and quality in writing, even if it means challenging famous authors like Chandler.
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