Thanks, Diane.
 
You ignored the point of my message but you raise another of substantial importance. To split or not to split an infinitive is a convention. There is no difference in meaning between "to boldly go where no one has gone before" and "to go boldly where no one has gone before". On the other hand, the past perfect makes a difference, as can be amply demonstrated.
 
Since my 'putt-putt' is still an open thread, let's rename your thread, "tut-tut', which is what someone, nay everyone, says when an infinitive is split.
 
.cheers.brads.fri.10june11.

From: Diane Skinner <[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Sent: Friday, June 10, 2011 1:58 AM
>Subject: Re: putt-putt (one photo)
>
>
>You belabor the point of the past partciple with so much fervor and righteous indignation, even  by presenting this example as one of several that you apparently quantify as accurate in your defense of knowing correct grammar usage. However, your seeming obsessive focus, yet often domineering v on one aspect 
>ur appaAnd spitting infinitives: "to not put 'had' in front of them" is grammatically 
>acceptable?  
>
>Peace, 
>Diane
>
>On Jun 9, 2011, at 4:37 PM, Brad Johnston <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
>
>Inbound message. 
>>  
>>"The pond I had put in about 8 years ago. It was a good spot and only took a day to do." 
>>  
>>A nice example of what you get if you can't see past-tense verbs and know enough to not put 'had' in front of them. 
>>  
>>Making a difference doesn't happen all that often but when it does, it makes a difference, and that's reason enough to teach it right, which is not done now. 
>> 
>
>.brad.09june11.
>> 
>> 
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