Hopefully

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Hopefully

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

adverb

Pronunciation

HOHP-ful-ee  /ˈhəʊpf(ə)li/

Definition

In a hopeful manner; with hope; expressing hope. Also used as a sentence adverb meaning 'it is to be hoped that' or 'I hope that' — as in 'Hopefully, it will rain.' This second use has been the subject of long-running grammatical controversy.

Plain meaning

Hopefully has two main uses. The traditional use means in a hopeful way: she looked hopefully at the door. The modern, very common use means I hope or it is to be hoped: hopefully the train will be on time. The second use is grammatically disputed by some purists but is understood by everyone and used by the great majority of English speakers.

Register

Neutral in both uses. The traditional manner adverb use is uncontroversial. The sentence adverb use is accepted by most style guides and virtually all speakers, though a minority of very prescriptive writers still prefer to avoid it in formal writing. In practice, the sentence adverb use is overwhelmingly more common.