Structurally or structurally – which is correct? It’s a question that surfaces occasionally in the realm of English language and grammar. and also an IELTS tutor, I’d be glad to shed some light on this matter.
Let’s first establish that “structurally” is the correct form in most cases. It is an adverb derived from the adjective “structural.” Adverbs, in general, are used to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. In this case, “structurally” modifies the verb or adjective it accompanies, expressing the manner in which something is done or the characteristics of the structure being referred to.
For example, when discussing the construction of a building, you might say, “The architect designed the building structurally sound.” Here, “structurally” modifies the adjective “sound,” indicating that the building is sound in terms of its structure. Using “structuraly” would be incorrect and may leave the reader or listener perplexed.
Another common example where “structurally” is appropriate is in the context of analyzing literary works. If you were to analyze a novel, you might comment on the author’s use of language and say, “The author structured the narrative in a way that is both engaging and structurally coherent.” In this instance, “structurally” modifies the adjective “coherent” to convey that the narrative is coherent in terms of its structure. “Structuraly” just wouldn’t fit in this sentence.
However, there are rare cases where “structuraly” could be considered acceptable. One such scenario might be when discussing a particular dialect or regional variation where dropping the final “ly” sound is common. But it’s important to note that this usage is limited to specific contexts and should not be adopted in formal or standard English.
To further solidify our understanding, let’s consider a metaphor. Imagine you are baking a cake. The recipe calls for “structurally sound” ingredients. Now, you might be tempted to think that using “structuraly sound” ingredients would work too, but that would be like trying to substitute baking soda with powdered sugar—it just wouldn’t yield the desired result!
In conclusion, “structurally” is the correct form in most cases when referring to the characteristics or manner of a structure. It is an adverb that modifies verbs or adjectives, conveying the way in which something is done or the attributes of the structure being discussed. While there may be rare contexts where “structuraly” could be considered acceptable, it is important to adhere to standard English usage to ensure effective communication. So, the next time you find yourself pondering this question, remember that “structurally” is the sound choice.