SJC-style-and-production-guide-2012

correct position. For imperious emphasis, only can be placed after the word or phrase to which itrefers or in the inflammatory: Men only need apply. Some misplacements are indefensible, as inFive people only asked for a drink when what is meant is Only five people asked for a drink.Generally, place only immediately before the verb only when it is the verb itself to which itrefers.SPLIT INFINITIVESInfinitives are split when either an adverb or a phrase is inserted between the word to andinfinitive of the verb: “to boldly go”. While they are frowned on by some, avoiding them cansometimes produce ungainly writing or even ambiguity in some cases. For example:1. She failed to completely empty the glass;2. She failed completely to empty the glass;3. She failed to empty the glass completely, and4. She failed to empty completely the glass.The first sentence contains a split infinitive, but suggests what we wanted to impart: that shenearly emptied the glass. The next two examples fix the split infinitive, but are vague and couldmean that she has removed nothing at all. The fourth sentence is intolerably awkward.The rule is: try to avoid split infinitives, but never at the expense of clarity.Sometimes you simply cannot avoid them. How would you say “to more than double” withoutsplitting the infinitive?Do not confuse split infinitives with verb phrases. Some people think “was running” is aninfinitive, and avoid splitting it with such convoluted constructions as “Mary also was running”instead of the standard “Mary was also running”.PREPOSITIONSThe same clarity rule defines the use of prepositions at the end of sentences. Many will arguethis is forbidden, but as Winston Churchill is reported to have said, “This is the kind of arrantpedantry up with which I will not put” if it makes for ungainly writing.1. Do not add prepositions to verbs; do not say meet up with, sell up, sell off or buy up. Donot say win out. Let’s meet, sell and buy.2. Do use prepositions where Americans don’t. Meet on Monday, not meet Monday; writeto Jessica, not write Jessica.3. Do not join prepositions to nouns, as in the match got underway, instead of under way.(And it should be The match started in any case).THAT OR WHICH?The that/which debate has enlivened newsroom discussion for decades. Our style has beenchosen as an acceptable way to deal with the question in most cases. First put forward by Fowlerin Modern English Usage, it relies on a convenient solution rather than a rule.Whether a clause is defining or descriptive dictates whether it takes the relative pronoun thator which. “A space probe that returned from Jupiter is believed responsible for an outbreak ofitching across the southern United States.” The clause following “A space probe…” is definingand takes that.UQ SJC STYLEBOOK 2012 – PAGE 12