Split infinitive in modern English

The analysis of numerous BBC radio broadcasts in English, of articles in the magazine New Scientist and different research papers shows that the last two-to-three years have seen a dramatic increase in the use of split infinitives in unprepared oral speech by people of different backgrounds and nationalities. Most common are split infinitives with adverbs. The author concludes that if the current trend in the increased use of split infinitives continues, the structure can become a part of the recognised language norm and will soon find its way into English grammars and textbooks.