Flat adverb

In English grammar, a flat adverb, bare adverb, or simple adverb[1] is an adverb that has the same form as the corresponding adjective,[2] so it usually does not end in -ly, e.g. "drive slow", "drive fast", "dress smart", etc. The term includes words that naturally end in -ly in both forms, e.g. "drive friendly". Flat adverbs were once quite common but have been largely replaced by their -ly counterparts. In the 18th century, grammarians believed flat adverbs to be adjectives, and insisted that adverbs needed to end in -ly. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, "It's these grammarians we have to thank for ... the sad lack of flat adverbs today".[3] There are now only a few flat adverbs, and some are widely thought of as incorrect.[4] Despite bare adverbs being grammatically correct and widely used by respected authors, they are often stigmatized.[5] There have even been public campaigns against street signs with the traditional text "go slow" and the innovative text "drive friendly."[1]

  1. ^ a b O'Conner, P.T.; Kellerman, S. (2009). Origins of the Specious: Myths and Misconceptions of the English Language. Random House Publishing Group. p. 30. ISBN 9781588368560.
  2. ^ Garner's Modern American Usage, p. 897
  3. ^ "Drive Safe: In Praise of Flat Adverbs" with Emily Brewster, part of the "Ask the Editor" series at Merriam-Webster.com
  4. ^ Merriam-Webster, Inc (1998). Merriam-Webster's Manual for Writers and Editors. Merriam-Webster. p. 373. ISBN 9780877796220.
  5. ^ When Adverbs Fall Flat, including list of the most common bare adverbs