Hope vs. Hopefully

Hopefully, the check is in the mail.
vs.
I hope the check is in the mail.

In this example, the use of "hopefully" is incorrect. A word that ends in -ly is an adverb and modifies a verb. "Hopefully" cannot modify "is."

If you can substitute "I hope" for "hopefully," you shouldn't use "hopefully."

Confused? Just delete "hopefully" and revise the sentence.

E-mail Matters

Why care about grammar and punctuation in e-mail? Y cnt we jst ttfy and lol n eml?Taking time to use correct grammar and punctuation is good business. It shows respect for the reader, reflects well on your professionalism, and, most importantly, contributes to understanding. Grammar and punctuation mistakes and text messaging abbreviations open the door to misinterpretation -- and readers will always interpret something to their advantage, not yours.What about those oh-so-cute smilies and emoticons? What's wrong with ;-)? Nothing -- if you want to come across like a 14-year-old. If you want to look like a professional, limit the smilies and emoticons to non-business e-mails to your BFF.