The Proper Word Usage of Hopefully
How To Use the Word Hopefully Correctly in All Contexts
Improper word usage by friends and coworkers can be annoying, and everyone has a least favorite. For some, improper usage of one simple word is the most annoying
The word hopefully seems like a common word with a well-known meaning. But because it's used improperly so often, it's use can be highly annoying to many. Hopefully is an adverb. It's not a verb as it is most commonly used. The use of hopefully as a verb in its own right usually comes from a mistaken belief about the meaning of the word. Using the word hopefully as a substitute for the phrase “I hope” or “it is hoped” is the most common, but incorrect, usage.
The Correct Usage
Using the word correctly as an adverb means to substitute it instead for the phrase “full of hope” or "in a hopeful manner." When unsure whether the word is being used correctly, simply use one of those phrases instead and see whether the sentence still makes sense. There are far fewer times to use the word correctly than there are to use it incorrectly, which has made many grammar sticklers angry about the word being used at all.
As it is seldom used correctly, there have even been grammar groups spring up that have called for the end of the word hopefully all together. They, of course, have not accomplished their main objective though they have called attention to the problem.
The incorrect usage of the word by Presidents George Bush and George W. Bush led to letter writing campaigns on the part of one grammar group. The goal, of course, was to persuade each of these presidents to use the word correctly. As of this date, the campaigns have not been successful.
Changing the Meaning
Because the word is used incorrectly so often, there is always the possibility that the meaning of the word will change over time to incorporate the new usage of the word. This has happened with several words that have changed their meaning over time due to common usage. One example is the usage of the word “y’all,” which for many years was not considered a proper word. The common usage of the word over many years led to its inclusion in the Random House and American Heritage dictionaries, among others.
However, until the word is officially recognized as grammatically correct as anything other than an adverb, using it in the proper context in professional situations is a must in order to project a precise and professional image. Though it may sound like a small thing, the grammar sticklers out there will not think highly of someone who doesn’t know how to use such a common word correctly, and it can reflect badly on their credibility.
Related article: Personal Pronoun Usage
