And secondly...

OK, the grammar rules indicate that by putting an "ly" ending on a word, you can transform that word into a word that modifies another word so that it is "like" the root word of the word onto which you added the “ly” ending.

Eek---that's a mouthful. Well, not to worry. Let's break it down.

Think about the following sentence:

• Studying grammar greatly improves my command of the English language.

This is easy, you say. You can take out the word "greatly" and still have a grammatically complete and correct sentence:

• Studying grammar improves my command of the English language.

When you add in "greatly" (the root word "great" with the magic "ly" ending) you've correctly modified the sentence to indicate that by studying grammar you improve your command of the English so much that it is greatly (more "great-like") improved:

Studying grammar greatly improves my command of the English language.

Too easy, you say? Actually, yes, it is a simple, straightforward rule of grammar. But now, consider how many people mangle it:

• First, I like chocolate.
• Secondly, there is evidence that chocolate, in small quantities can be good for you.
• Third, I think it should be a stand-alone food group.
• Lastly, I make it a point to eat a little bit of chocolate every day.

So, what's wrong with this picture? Well, have you ever heard the phrase "You can't be a little bit pregnant, either you is or you ain't"? That same idea applies here. Consider the example above: either a topic point is or it isn't "second"--it can't be "second-like" when it is presented as the second bullet point (topic) in a list of ideas/arguments. Likewise, a final bullet point (conclusion) is or it isn't "last"--it can't be "last-like."

There are times when we drop our grammar guard, and speak in colloquialisms or street vernacular. However, when you are writing for publication (or school/college assignment), you should keep up your grammar-dukes at all times!