GCSE English

Adverb Confusion

Here's a really good example of how confusion can arise over the use of adverbs. It also points out the error in assuming adverbs must end in -ly:

"The car was braking hard to avoid the accident," said Andrew.
"Surely it should be 'hardly braking'?" retorted David.
"What 'hardly braking to avoid the accident'!" exclaimed Andrew.

A completely different meaning is given when the word hardly is used.It is still an adverb, but one that means "only just" rather than "strongly".


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