1

When an adjective is used to describe an action, a verb, it becomes an adverb and is added a -ly. And so, these two sentences should be correct:

It was an intended act.

I intendedly did it.

Now, the word ill-intended basically refers to something being done with bad/malicious intent, with an evil motive. Can I use the same grammar on this word - can the word ill-intended directly replace intended in a sentence?

It was an ill-intended act.

I ill-intendedly did it.

I can't find descriptions and definitions of ill-intendedly when searching, but it seems to be a proper sentence. What is your view on this?

Improve this question
2
  • 1
    “I did it with ill intent” is perhaps the more common way that I would think to say this. – Fogmeister Dec 29 '19 at 13:02
  • "Maliciously" is a perfectly good word meaning with ill intent. – the-baby-is-you Dec 30 '19 at 4:18
2

Because participles can play a role as adjectives, they can be formed into adverbs.

Drunkenly

is an example that is used with fair frequency. However, the formation of adverbs from perfect participles seems to be rare; what is far more common is the formation of adverbs from present participles. I have no explanation for this; it is simply a personal observation.

Ill-intendedly

may be grammatical, but it certainly is neither idiomatic nor euphonious. For one thing, "intentionally" forms an equivalent adverb to "intendedly" without forming an adverb from a perfect participle. For another "ill-intended" is a compound of adverb and adjective using an adverb that is very odd in having identical adjectival and adverbial forms.

I think I would say

I did it with ill intent

using an adverbial phrase rather than a weird adverb.

Improve this answer
2
  • From what you are saying, is it correctly understood that ill-intendedly is not strictly wrong, but not commonly (never) used? – Steeven Dec 29 '19 at 16:26
  • I have never heard it or seen it used. In that sense, it is not idiomatic. It does not, as far as I can see, violate any rule on forming words in English. Because there are alternatives to this non-idiomatic word, I'd recommend avoiding it completely. – Jeff Morrow Dec 30 '19 at 0:47

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.