Bad or Badly, which is correct?

Question

Consider this sentence:

I want to join the contest..

Which is more correct, "so bad" or "so badly"?

I'm leaning towards the latter because it is an adverb and an adverb is required to describe a verb or an adjective. As with the case above, badly should describe want.

I am not sure though if the former is acceptable. And if it is, why so?

Bad is an adverb, too. As a dictionary of your choice will be quick to point out. — RegDwigнt, Oct 29 '13 at 10:59
"Badly" sounds more correct to me. "Bad" is popular and American I think. — asterix314, Oct 29 '13 at 14:19

score 0 · Answer 1 · answered Oct 29 '13 at 17:32

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The problem is with your use of "so" also. If you use "so," you would be required to finish the sentence with "that …" and complete the comparison. For example, I want to join the contest so badly that I can't concentrate.

The correct answer would be "… very badly."

answered Oct 29 '13 at 17:32

Stan

2,469

I don't think you are right. Are you implying that I can't say "I am so happy!" without continuing with a that clause? – Armen Ծիրունյան Oct 29 '13 at 17:39
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Don't you think you're being too prescriptive here? What do you mean by "incorrect" anyway? – Armen Ծիրունյան Oct 29 '13 at 17:57

Bad or Badly, which is correct?

1 Answers1