This huge banner at the University of the Incarnate Word has bugged the hell out of me for some time. Fortunately I had my camera with me yesterday.
While the imperative on this banner is grammatically correct, adjectival use of the word safe is more appropriate in this context.
I suppose the university could be imploring the troops to transport themselves home in a safe manner, but think they’re probably more concerned with the troops’ arrival home in a safe state, i.e. safe, sound and happy (not safely, soundly and happily).
While the imperative on this banner is grammatically correct, adjectival use of the word safe is more appropriate in this context.I suppose the university could be imploring the troops to transport themselves home in a safe manner, but think they’re probably more concerned with the troops’ arrival home in a safe state, i.e. safe, sound and happy (not safely, soundly and happily).
2 comments:
Yeah, the manner of transport should not be as important as the state of one's health (meaning you're in one piece).
My grammar isn't any better than theirs is, but I have a hunch you know what I'm trying to say :)
You never know...
When my unit returned from Iraq, we were flown home in a commercial aircraft. We had to make one layover on the way, and when we stepped off the plane, we noticed the front window of the plane was held on with duct tape. Safely would have been the right word to use in that case.
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