![]() ![]() ![]() If this sort of thing entertains you, you might enjoy reading a Washington Post article about the 2012 Associated Press (AP) Stylebook authors’ decision to accept hopefully in its modern form. This is what she means about issues of clarity. In the next example, I hope that your son will recover soon, it is clear that it is I who is doing the hoping. In her example, Hopefully, your son will recover, it reads as though it’s the son who is doing the hoping. I think she could have explained further that what matters is who is doing the hoping. Instead, indicate who is doing the hoping: I hope that your son will recover soon. To be safe, avoid using hopefully in sentences such as the following: Hopefully, your son will recover soon. Some usage experts object to the use of hopefully as a sentence adverb, apparently on grounds of clarity. Hopefully means “in a hopeful manner.” We looked hopefully to the future. I like to quote Diana Hacker, author of many editions of the favorite college English Composition grammar and mechanics style manual called A Pocket Style Manual, which is a reliable resource for those who use MLA, APA, and Chicago styles. After three decades of debate, most of us are now confused. Prior to this, so they say, the word was used without complaint. According to an NPR article, thirty years ago a few famous grammarians decided to “vilify” the word. There remains debate about whether this adverb is appropriate or not. Susan Metzger communication, editing, hopefully, language, rocky mountain english professor, STYLE, word choice ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |