Some critics object that its a free-floating modifier (a Flying - TopicsExpress



          

Some critics object that its a free-floating modifier (a Flying Dutchman adverb, James Kirkpatrick called it) that isnt attached to the verb of the sentence but rather describes the speakers attitude. But floating modifiers are mothers milk to English grammar — nobody objects to using sadly, mercifully, thankfully or frankly in exactly the same way.Or people complain that hopefully doesnt specifically indicate whos doing the hoping. But neither does It is to be hoped that, which is the phrase that critics like Wilson Follett offer as a natural substitute. Thats what usage fetishism can drive you to — you cross out an adverb and replace it with a six-word impersonal passive construction, and you tell yourself youve improved your writing.
Posted on: Sat, 15 Mar 2014 14:21:02 +0000

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