My blog post yesterday made me remember this slogan from Apple.

Problem:
The Macintosh computer maker used an adjective where an adverb was required.

Explanation:
Apple Computer used “Think different.” in the 1990s as one of its advertising slogans.

The word “different” is an adjective.

Adjectives modify nouns, not verbs, but Apple used “different” to modify a verb (“Think”).

Apple was trying to tell the viewer how to think.

This requires an adverb.

Many adjectives can be converted to adverbs by appending the L-Y suffix.

“Different” is one of those adjectives.

This gives us the solution.

I suppose that Apple and its advertising firm were trying to be catchy or edgy by using an adjective where an adverb was required.

But I view this grammatical mistake as encouraging the decline of the distinction between adjectives and adverbs.

Solution:
“Think differently.”

My wife saw this yesterday in a TV commercial for Outback Steakhouse.

Problem:
The restaurant chain used an adjective where an adverb was required.

Explanation:
Outback Steakhouse now has “Live Adventurous.” as one of its advertising slogans, as my wife saw yesterday in a television advertisement from the chain.

The word “adventurous” is an adjective.

Adjectives modify nouns, not verbs, but Outback is using “adventurous” to modify a verb (“Live”).

Outback is trying to tell the viewer how to live.

This requires an adverb.

Many adjectives can be converted to adverbs by appending the L-Y suffix.

“Adventurous” is one of those adjectives.

This gives us the solution.

I suppose that Outback and its advertising firm were trying to be catchy or edgy by using an adjective where an adverb was required.

But I view this grammatical mistake as encouraging the decline of the distinction between adjectives and adverbs.

Solution:
“Live Adventurously.”