Apple think different. Or should that be differently?

22 Apr 2009

Have you noticed that people on TV and radio have a real aversion to adverbs? Politicians, weather girls and football managers seem to be the biggest culprits.

So what is an adverb and why should I care about it, I hear you cry. Ok, here’s a quick recap.  An adverb is used to describe a verb, an adjective or another adverb. And, quite simply, it shows how, when, and where something was done.

Sue ran slowly. Ran is the verb and slowly describes how Sue ran.

He was rather attractive. Attractive is the adjective and rather describes how attractive he was.

She’ll be arriving quite soon. Soon is the adverb. And quite describes how soon she will arrive.

Many (but not all) adverbs are formed by adding -ly to the end of an adjective. And this is where our telly people fall down. Because they insist on keeping the word as an adjective.

He moves quick for a footballer. Should be quickly.

Remember to wrap up warm. Should be warmly.

They were acting crazy. Should be crazily.

Got any good examples? Let Turner Ink know.