So-called -ingly adverbs in Late Middle and Early Modern
English
This chapter traces the increase of -ingly adverbs
from Late Middle to Early Modern English. Not only the frequency and versatility but
also the functions of -ingly adverbs expanded in this period: from the
modification of adjectives, adverbs, and verbs (found both in the Middle and Early
Modern English data) to the modification of the whole sentence (found only in the Early
Modern English data). Sentential adverbs of the commenting type (disjuncts) are still
absent throughout the entire period of this study. Finally, this chapter discusses some
-ingly adverbs of the so-called “Harry Potter” type, suggesting that
their development is earlier than assumed in previous studies.
Article outline
- 1.Introduction
- 2.Data
- 3.The increase of -ingly adverbs in Late Middle and Early Modern
English
- 4.Different types of -ingly adverbs
- 5.Functions of -ingly adverbs
- 5.1Modification of adjectives, verbs, and clauses
- 5.2Harry Potter adverbs
- 6.Conclusion
-
Acknowledgements
-
Notes
-
References
-
Appendix