Predictably, the language changes

It's the predictably in the headline above that makes my point.

Predictably is what grammarians call a sentence adverb, meaning that instead of modifying another adverb or an adjective or a verb, it modifies the whole sentence.

So why can't hopefully make the smooth transfer in status as a sentence adverb? So many other adverbs have made it. For example, sentences roll trippingly off the tongue even though they begin with actually, apparently, basically, clearly, confidentially, evidently, fortunately, and so on.

One critic, who otherwise -- hopefully -- accepts sentence adverbs such as seriously and ultimately, calls such use of hopefully "slack-jawed, common, sleazy."

Others have also tried to hold the line, which has crumbled under fire from almost all sides. Strunk and White said using hopefully as a sentence adverb offends the ears of those "who do not like to see words dulled or eroded."

But the world spins 'round and 'round.

My friend Walter, who is, like me, fascinated by our language, just today emailed me to say that he long ago gave up on hopefully the way it was once used.

Alas! Even the staid and august AP Stylebook has turned with the tide. The word mavens at the Associated Press said a decade ago (see my old copy of the AP Stylebook above) that it was wrong to write "Hopefully, we will complete our work in June."

Two years ago those AP experts tweeted: "We now support the modern usage of hopefully." The AP has gotten hip in more ways than one.

However -- and this is a big however -- if you are a careful writer, it's probably not wise just yet to go around sprinkling hopefully hither and thither at the beginning of your sentences. Among those who still caution against it is The New York Times. The Great Gray Lady will allow it, but notes primly that such use of hopefully is taking the chance of offending some of the paper's old-school readers.

But I think all is definitely lost in this particular battle. In another generation, no one will even remember that prissy time long ago when hopefully was frowned on as a sentence adverb.

Perhaps we can turn an eye ... dare I say hopefully? ... towards holding the line against another of my friend Walter's pet peeves: using a modifier with unique." Certainly, that's worth fighting for. Or has that battle been lost, too?

Hopefully not.