Formal and semantic variation in the sphere of morphology in the English language in the light of optionality

Abstract

The article explores the use of simple and derivative forms of adverbs in the English language from the angle of the problem of optionality. Modern English possesses numerous structures which are represented by two or more modifications having the same meaning. Variants here described are generally interchangeable, i.e. they can be used optionally. In the article an attempt has been made to introduce some differences in their usage which can bear the light to the present-day practice. Most definitions, or «rules», have been profusely illustrated to make it easier to see when and how the two structures can function as variants.