sentence adverb

sentence adverb

1. Certain adverbs, such as actually, basically, clearly, frankly, interestingly, normally, regrettably, strictly, and usually, have the special role of qualifying entire statements rather than individual words. Some of these are adverbs of time and frequency and retain a closer connection with the verb despite being separated from it:

• It is normally very difficult to get a new sport accepted for the Olympics —New Yorker, 1984.

The others have a more independent role in referring not to the content of the statement but to an external consideration, such as the opinion of the speaker, even though they may not be explicitly expressed as such:

• I'm sure you don't know every detail of her past either and, quite frankly, it's none of your business —Daily Star, 2007

(= to be frank, as I frankly believe)

• Clearly therefore, we suggest, this points to a ‘mole’ within British Telecom Prestel headquarters —Times, 1984

(= as is clear).

This phenomenon is commonly associated with 20c usage, but examples are recorded from an earlier date.

2. The examples given so far are mostly unexceptionable, but controversy arises with thankfully, regretfully, and, above all, hopefully:

• Hopefully, our experience will be of use to them —Independent, 1989.

This may be because, unlike the others, there is no phrasal basis corresponding to it is clear that (for clearly) or to be frank (for frankly), since ‘it is to be hoped that’ is passive whereas hopeful is ‘active’ (i.e. the person so described does the hoping). See hopefully.