When adding 'ly' to the end of the word...

[Vroomfondleswaistcoat]

I went over to the 'DH acting suspicious' thread, wondering what 'DH' was suspicious of. He was actually acting suspiciousLY. Engendering suspicion, not feeling it. The 'ly' seems to have become almost voluntary at this point, but it changes the meaning of things so completely that it really is required!

I agree - but even in papers like the Times, the adverb is dying a slow death. I find it intensely irritating.

Yes, I agree.

<sigh> The phrase 'hiding to nothing' springs to mind...

I think ongoing grammaticalisation is fascinating personally

It's fascinating in the same way as a car crash is fascinating. I find myself unable to look away from all the 'yourself' and babie's that crop up everywhere. The inability to tell the difference between suspicious and suspiciously is not a good thing.

I miss adverbs. I cringe through a lot of TV commentary (or shout at it when I've reached my limit.)