Introduction / Context:
This question examines infinitive usage and placement of “not”. In formal English, after “advised … to”, we use the infinitive “not to + verb”, not the doubled form “to not to”.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Matrix verb: “advised”.
- Infinitival complement expected: “to not to indulge” vs. “not to indulge”.
- We aim for standard, unambiguous phrasing.
Concept / Approach:
- Correct sequence after verbs like “advise, tell, ask”: “to + not + base verb” → commonly realized as “not to + base verb”.
- Split infinitives can be acceptable in modern usage, but doubling “to” (“to not to”) is ungrammatical.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the complement: “advise [people] not to indulge in gossip”.Remove the redundant “to” before “not”.Correct sentence: “The Head of the Department advised all the staff not to indulge in gossip.”
Verification / Alternative check:
Paraphrase with a gerund: “advised … against indulging in gossip” — also grammatical, confirming the intended prohibition.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
A, B, and D are fine; D uses a standard collocation “indulge in”.E is wrong because C contains a clear error.
Common Pitfalls:
Inserting “to” twice; confusing the acceptable split “to not indulge” (stylistic) with the incorrect “to not to indulge”.
Final Answer:
to not to
Discussion & Comments