Grammar Hall of Shame - Adverbs vs. Adjectives

Welcome to the Grammar Minute, where we’re saving the English language sixty seconds at a time! I’m Lauren Smyth, and it’s time for another entry into the grammar hall of shame. Today we have a sign that reads: “DRIVE SLOW.” I’m not sure what purpose “slow” is supposed to serve here, since in this form it’s an adjective that should be modifying a noun. Drive could be a noun as in private drive, but then the words would be in the wrong order. It seems like the creators of this masterpiece may have meant to write “slowly” instead of “slow.” “Slowly” is an adverb in this form, modifying the verb “to drive” and describing how you’re supposed to drive. Good news for all of us grammar nerds: some kind citizen penciled in the missing “ly” just to make sure the meaning was clear. That’s your Grammar Minute! Visit thegrammarminute.com for more tips and tricks.