Definition:
A word that modifies a sentence as a whole or a clause within a sentence. Common sentence adverbs include actually, apparently, basically, briefly, certainly, clearly, conceivably, confidentially, curiously, evidently, fortunately, hopefully, however, ideally, incidentally, indeed, interestingly, ironically, naturally, predictably, presumably, regrettably, seriously, strangely, surprisingly, thankfully, theoretically, therefore, truthfully, ultimately, and wisely. See also:
Examples and Observations:
- "Apparently there is nothing that cannot happen today."
(Mark Twain) - "It rarely adds anything to say, 'In my opinion'--not even modesty. Naturally a sentence is only your opinion; and you are not the Pope."
(Paul Goodman) - George: Now she thinks I'm one of these guys that loves her. Nobody wants to be with somebody that loves them.
Jerry: No, people hate that.
George: You want to be with somebody that doesn't like you.
Jerry: Ideally.
("The Face Painter," Seinfeld) - "My wife met me at the door the other night in a sexy negligee. Unfortunately, she was just coming home."
(Rodney Dangerfield) - "The single most abused and annoying sentence adverb is actually. . . . The degeneration of actually is signaled by a Doonesbury cartoon in which a Hollywood mogul, Mr. Kibbitz, instructs his young associate: 'Listen, Jason, if you're going to make it in this town, you have to start using the word "actually." A Hollywood assistant always says, "Actually, he's in a meeting," or "He's actually at lunch." "Actually" means "I'm not lying to you."'"
(Ben Yagoda, If You See an Adjective, Kill It. Broadway Books, 2007) - "Basically my wife was immature. I'd be at home in the bath and she'd come in and sink my boats."
(Woody Allen)
Also Known As: sentence adverbial, disjunct
