In English, the phrase ‘I’d better send it express’ is commonly used to imply sending something via an expedited or fast delivery method. The question arises about the use of ‘express’ here, especially regarding whether it functions as an adverb and if a preposition is omitted. Let’s explore this construction in detail.
Understanding the Use of ‘Express’ as an Adverb
In the sentence ‘I’d better send it express,’ ‘express’ is indeed functioning adverbially. While it’s commonly thought of as an adjective (as in ‘express service’ or ‘express delivery’), in this case, it modifies the verb ‘send,’ indicating the manner in which the action is to be performed — quickly or by expedited service.
The Missing Preposition
The phrase may seem to omit a preposition, but this is a typical structure in English where certain adverbial expressions can be used without prepositions. In formal English, we might expect a sentence like ‘I’d better send it by express’ or ‘I’d better send it via express.’ However, in casual conversation or informal contexts, the preposition is often dropped, and the adjective ‘express’ becomes an adverb.
Why Is This Structure Common in English?
In everyday English, especially in more colloquial speech, we tend to simplify sentences by omitting words that are understood from context. The use of ‘express’ as an adverb is an example of this, where the meaning is clear even without a preposition. The sentence ‘I’d better send it express’ is clear in implying that the speaker will send the item using an expedited delivery service, despite the grammatical shorthand.
Examples of Similar Usage
This construction is not unique to ‘express.’ Other similar words are used in the same way. For example, ‘He ran it fast’ or ‘She finished it quick’ often omit prepositions or use words in ways that differ from their more formal grammatical roles. While ‘express’ is functioning adverbially here, in other contexts, such as ‘express train’ or ‘express lane,’ it retains its adjective form.
Conclusion: A Common Linguistic Practice
In conclusion, ‘express’ in ‘I’d better send it express’ is functioning adverbially, and the omission of a preposition is a common and understandable shorthand in informal speech. While this may feel like a grammatical shortcut, it is perfectly acceptable in everyday language. So, while the use of ‘express’ may seem tricky at first glance, it’s a widely accepted form in conversational English.
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