Ly Adverbs - Obviously this is Useful

Ly Adverbs are words with an "ly" on the end, like unfortunately. I have to admit I didn't pay much attention to those "parts of a sentence" things in English, so don't ask for the simple explanation.

These are sneaky things, because the judgment underneath slips under our radar. We tend to accept the sentence without questioning whether it is true.

Some examples

He quickly moved the evidence to the safe.

• What was quick about it? The focus is on the quick rather than the nature of the "evidence"

I clearly did not want the frogs sharing my bath

• Why was it clear? What was clear about it? This says, "Everyone would feel the same way."

Obviously, we don't want to pay the amount you are asking

• What is obvious about it? Once again, it presumes that it is unquestioned that the price is too high and everyone would feel the same.

Regrettably, I want this report completed by 5pm.

• What is regrettable about it? It says, "I don't really want to ask this of you, but I am going to anyway and it isn't my fault." It makes a demand seem less so.

Fortunately, I forgot the way to the supermarket

• What is fortunate about it? It lets the fact that you didn't go to the supermarket slide by.

Happily, we found a substitute for your ice-cream sundae

• Why is this a happy thing? Basically, it means you are not going to get your sundae.