1

I actually looked at the "drive safe/ly" answers before I posted this question and remember, at the time, seeing how these were clearly two different questions. Now, however, they seem the same. I guess I didn't think I was near as drunk as I actually was.

Solved.

Near or nearly?

Between "not near as drunk" and "not nearly as drunk", I can't think of a compelling reason to prefer one to the other. "Not nearly" sounds better, I think, but I wouldn't be able to say why.

I imagine it comes down to whether "as" is an adverb or a preposition in this phrase, but I can't think of a compelling reason to decide even that one way or the other.

Improve this question
5
  • See the question on "drive safe" or "drive safely". english.stackexchange.com/q/8328/9368 Adjectives can be (and have been for centuries) used also as adverbs. – GEdgar Mar 2 '19 at 12:02
  • Possible duplicate of Which is correct: "drive safe" or "drive safely"? – GEdgar Mar 2 '19 at 12:03
  • 2
    "nowhere near as drunk" is also a possibility you should bear in mind the next time you want to use this phrase. I'm nowhere near as drunk as I'm planning to be. – TRomano Mar 2 '19 at 13:31
  • I read 'not near as drunk' in a Yorkshire accent – marcellothearcane Mar 2 '19 at 19:55
  • Not sure about Yorkshire, but certainly a regional dialect. – Colin Fine Aug 30 '19 at 23:21
1

Not nearly as drunk would be better.

Nearly works as the adverb that modifies as (another adverb). Adverbs can modify other adverbs and explain "how much."

Edited for clarity and a typo.

Improve this answer
1
  • Would you prefer to stand nearer to the door, or more nearly? Or what about nearlier? Only in near misses and such is near an adjective. It's usually an adverb -- one of a different kind than nearly is . (And some would say that even as a preposition it's gradable, if you can fit your head around that one.) – tchrist♦ Mar 3 '19 at 22:44

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.