Are adverbs becoming extinct in the English language?

Question

In people's everyday speech...even in journalism, I'll notice that people say, "Speak soft when we go in there" or, "Do it quick." Do we no longer have to add "-ly"? I know languages are constantly evolving...

Hold up. HERDING C...you don't know where I live??? Now THAT is funny!

Answer 1

I have myself noticed this tendency, but mainly in American English. British, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand English seem to be more conservative. However, taking into consideration that American dominates the global entertainment scene, it will spread.
On the other hand, a language is alive and develops as it wills, so it's futile to stop such a trend. We just have to be philosophical and adjust to it.
By the way, the German language has lost its distinction between adjectives and adverbs several centuries ago, so we are probably following along that path.

Answer 2

I've noticed the same thing, and I even read an article about it once... I wish I could remember where. If I do, I'll tell you.

But yes, linguists have noticed that it is true... grammatically incorrect as it may be. The -ly is dropping from a lot of our adverbs, reducing them to mere adjectives. I don't really have a problem with it, but I guess some people do... lol

Answer 3

Adverbs are NOT becoming extinct, they are just losing the -ly as a marker. In the sentence "Do it quick", "quick" is STILL an adverb, it just doesn't have the -ly suffix anymore. Just because it looks like the adjective "quick" doesn't make it an adjective. Take the word "surf". "Surf" is BOTH a noun and a verb. "Quick" is now BOTH an adjective and an adverb. The term adverb has a FUNCTIONAL definition (it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb) NOT a morphological definition.

EDIT: Haha, whoever gave me the thumbs down, let's compare our PhD's! LOLOL

Answer 4

I think that it is happening more often and it is predominately from American English. I think it may have something to do with the masses of those speaking English as a second language. Many languages don't have s differentiation between adjectives & adverbs, so it's difficult for new learners to get the hang of it. It means they have to think through if what they're "describing" is an action or a thing (vern or noun) and it's not always so easy for them.

In addition, many natvie English speakers in America are just as bad, due to carelessness. (Just so you know, I am American, as well.)

Answer 5

Absolutely and surely not! Verily and certainly a few blokes doing it recklessly is not going spoil the language of Kings and Queens.
Stick to the Queen's, or King's English, mate!
Good luck on you.

The Union Jack is still flying all over the globe, and the sun always shine where English is spoken properly.

Long live the Queen!

Answer 6

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Answer 7

I totally (note "ly") agree with you on this subject. That's a shame. A lot of English speakers make fun at foreigners who don't speak English but little do they know it's the Engish speakers who have been destroying the language.

Answer 8

I don't tradionally or whole-heartedly believe that adverbs are quickly to disappear from the English language.

:P

Answer 9

The Dumbing of America marches on. The language is deteriorating rather than evolving, if you ask me.

Answer 10

Not as far as I can tell. I don't know where you live, but where I live, adverbs are still in use!