Introduction
Flat adverbs are adverbs that have the same form as adjectives. They modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs without adding the “-ly” suffix typically associated with adverbs in English (Huddleston & Pullum, 2002).
Flat adverbs, which lack the typical “-ly” suffix and are identical in form to their corresponding adjectives, are a fascinating feature of the English language. Examples include words like “fast” in “He runs fast”, “hard” in “She works hard.” and “safe” in “Drive safe” While these adverbs are often overshadowed by their “-ly” counterparts in prescriptive grammar, their historical roots and ongoing usage reveal much about the evolution of English. This article explores flat adverbs’ origins, development, and contemporary significance, drawing on historical and linguistic research.
Historical Origins
Flat adverbs have deep historical roots in English, dating back to Old English and Middle English periods. During these early stages of the language, many adverbs were formed by adding the suffix “-e” to adjectives, but there was also a significant number of adverbs that had the same form as adjectives—what we now call flat adverbs. As Laurel J. Brinton (2017) notes, these flat adverbs were a natural part of the language’s structure, serving both grammatical and pragmatic functions without the need for additional suffixes.
The use of flat adverbs has deep roots in the English language. Many words we now consider adjectives were once commonly used as adverbs. For example, “fast” in “run fast” and “hard” in “work hard” are flat adverbs that have been in use for centuries (Liberman, 2011).
In the transition to Middle English, the “-e” suffix began to disappear, leaving many flat adverbs unchanged. This period also saw the gradual rise of the “-ly” suffix as a more standardized way of forming adverbs. However, as Elly van Gelderen (2006) explains, flat adverbs persisted alongside the new forms, especially in colloquial speech and informal writing.
Linguist John McWhorter (2015) argues that flat adverbs are not grammatical errors but rather a natural evolution of language. He points out that in Old English, many adverbs did not end in “-ly,” and the current preference for “-ly” adverbs is a relatively recent development.
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*Lecturer, Graduate School, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University,Bangkok,Thailand
The Influence of Prescriptive Grammar
The Early Modern English period (roughly 1500–1700) marked a shift toward more standardized grammar rules, heavily influenced by the rise of prescriptive grammarians in the 18th century. Figures like Robert Lowth, whose A Short Introduction to English Grammar (1762) became highly influential, strongly favored the “-ly” suffix for adverbs.
Despite the pressure from prescriptive grammar, flat adverbs did not disappear. They remained common in spoken English and informal contexts, particularly in American English. D. J. Taylor’s (1997) study highlights that flat adverbs continued to evolve, adapting to modern usage while retaining their historical forms.
Modern Usage and Acceptance
Have you ever told a friend to “drive safe”? If you have, there’s a good chance someone corrected you with “-ly!” Perhaps you even corrected yourself.
Despite the objections of some language perfectionists, the use of flat adverbs like “safe” in “Drive safe” is gaining acceptance in contemporary English. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary acknowledges both “safe” and “safely” as adverbs, indicating a shift towards broader acceptance of flat adverbs in standard usage.
The expression “Drive safe” is a prime example of the use of flat adverbs in modern English. While many prescriptive grammarians argue that the correct form should be “Drive safely,” the use of “safe” as an adverb in this context is increasingly common and accepted in informal speech and writing. So, both “drive safe” and “drive safely” are acceptable.
In contemporary English, flat adverbs are still widely used, especially in casual speech. Phrases like “drive fast,” “work hard,” and “sit tight” are common and generally accepted as correct in most contexts. Richard Hudson (2007) argues that the persistence of flat adverbs is an evidence to the flexibility of language. Rather than strictly adhering to prescriptive rules, English speakers often choose forms that are simpler and more efficient in communication.
Furthermore, flat adverbs are not limited to informal contexts. They can be found in literature, journalism, and even academic writing, depending on the tone and style of the work. As Brinton (2017) points out, flat adverbs also serve important pragmatic functions, such as emphasizing actions or maintaining a conversational tone, which contributes to their ongoing relevance.
Here are example sentences for each flat adverb expression:
Run fast – He had to run fast to catch the bus.
Drive slow – Please drive slow in the neighborhood; kids are playing outside.
Speak loud – You need to speak loud if you want everyone to hear you.
Go straight – After the traffic light, go straight for two miles.
Stand tall – Despite the challenges, she continued to stand tall and face them bravely.
Hold tight – Hold tight to the railing; the stairs are slippery.
Work hard – If you work hard, you’ll achieve your goals.
Arrive late – We might arrive late due to the heavy traffic.
Drive safe – Drive safe and call me when you get there.
Fly high – The eagle soared, flying high above the mountains
Conclusion
Flat adverbs are a linguistic feature with a rich history and enduring presence in English. While prescriptive grammar has often favored the “-ly” form, flat adverbs have persisted due to their historical roots, flexibility, and usefulness in everyday communication. As the English language continues to evolve, flat adverbs will likely remain a dynamic part of its structure, offering insights into both past and present linguistic trends.
References
Brinton, L. J. (2017). The Evolution of Pragmatic Markers in English: Pathways of Change.
Cambridge University Press.
Huddleston, R., & Pullum, G. K. (2002). The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language.
Cambridge University Press.
Hudson, R. (2007). Language Networks: The New Word Grammar. Oxford University Press.
Liberman, M. (2011, April 7). Ask Language Log: Drive safe. Language Log.
http://languagelog.ldc.upenn.edu/nll/?p=3101
McWhorter, J. (2015, September 23). English is not normal. Aeon. https://aeon.co/essays/why-
is-english-so-weirdly-different-from-other-languages
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Safe. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved on 1 September
2024, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/safe
Taylor, D. J. (1997). Flat Adverbs in English: A Diachronic and Synchronic Study. Linguistic
Society of America.
Tieken-Boon van Ostade, I. (2009). The Bishop’s Grammar: Robert Lowth and the Rise of
Prescriptivism. Oxford University Press.
Van Gelderen, E. (2006). A History of the English Language. John Benjamins Publishing.
