Subtlety vs. Subtly

Some grammar rules (and embarrassing mistakes!) transcend the uniqueness of different regions and style guides. This new International Grammar section by OnlineBookClub.org ultimately identifies those rules thus providing a simple, flexible rule-set, respecting the differences between regions and style guides. You can feel free to ask general questions about spelling and grammar. You can also provide example sentences for other members to proofread and inform you of any grammar mistakes.

Moderator: Official Reviewer Representatives

Post Reply
User avatar
Lisa A Rayburn
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 2977
Joined: 09 May 2018, 07:34
Currently Reading: Fluff Dragon
Bookshelf Size: 267
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-lisa-a-rayburn.html
Latest Review: Nightlord: Sunset by Garon Whited
Reading Device: B018QAYM7C

Subtlety vs. Subtly

Post by Lisa A Rayburn »

Kristi has subtlety woven several vital life-lessons into the story.

"subtly woven" or "subtlety woven"

Mirriam-Webster uses the spelling in the sentence, but I've seen the other spelling used as well. Which is the correct spelling and usage?
User avatar
inaramid
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 1222
Joined: 04 Nov 2017, 11:22
Currently Reading: Siege and Storm
Bookshelf Size: 144
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-inaramid.html
Latest Review: The Fourth Kinetic by Brady Moore

Post by inaramid »

"Kristi has subtlety woven several vital life-lessons into the story."

I would write this as, "Kristi has subtly woven several vital life lessons into the story."

Subtlety is a noun. I love the subtlety of the plot.

Subtly is an adverb. I love how the plot is subtly handled.
User avatar
Lisa A Rayburn
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 2977
Joined: 09 May 2018, 07:34
Currently Reading: Fluff Dragon
Bookshelf Size: 267
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-lisa-a-rayburn.html
Latest Review: Nightlord: Sunset by Garon Whited
Reading Device: B018QAYM7C

Post by Lisa A Rayburn »

inaramid wrote: 31 Jan 2020, 21:06 "Kristi has subtlety woven several vital life-lessons into the story."

I would write this as, "Kristi has subtly woven several vital life lessons into the story."

Subtlety is a noun. I love the subtlety of the plot.

Subtly is an adverb. I love how the plot is subtly handled.
Thank you! I couldn't find anything online that told me the difference between the two. I was thinking one of them might have been a British spelling or something!
Anngladys
Posts: 286
Joined: 24 Dec 2019, 11:46
Currently Reading: Zona: The Forbidden Land
Bookshelf Size: 29
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-anngladys.html
Latest Review: Christ Without a Bride by Michael J. Ray

Post by Anngladys »

inaramid wrote: 31 Jan 2020, 21:06 "Kristi has subtlety woven several vital life-lessons into the story."

I would write this as, "Kristi has subtly woven several vital life lessons into the story."

Subtlety is a noun. I love the subtlety of the plot.

Subtly is an adverb. I love how the plot is subtly handled.
Great response! Noun versus adverb. Yes!
Post Reply

Return to “International Grammar”