English for Today by Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose (Dr GAB)
Confusing ly
He’s not taking it serious (nonstandard).
He’s not taking it seriously (standard).
The word “take” is a verb and can only be modified by an adverb and not an adjective.
Why are you taking it personal (nonstandard)?
Why are you taking it personally (standard)?
“Personal” is an adjective and cannot modify a verb.
She is coward (nonstandard).
She is a coward (standard).
She is cowardly (standard).
Some adjectives such as cowardly, motherly, gentlemanly attract ly and qualify nouns and pronouns.
Now, can you use “motherly” and “gentlemanly” in sentences?
GAB
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