[Grammar] Different vs. Differently?

[suzannelho]

I am in a heated debate with co-workers over a possible slogan we want to use. I think it should be "Do one thing different" and they think it should be "Do one thing differently." We are prompting people to take action with their personal finances and we want them to engage in our "Do one thing different" campaign. Please offer your expertise.

 

[SoothingDave]

"Differently" is an adverb. If you mean to describe the action that they should be taking, then you should use an adverb.

That's grammar. Try telling that to Apple, who had advertised "Think Different" for their products.

 

[TheParser]

I am in a heated debate with co-workers over a possible slogan we want to use. I think it should be "Do one thing different" and they think it should be "Do one thing differently." We are prompting people to take action with their personal finances and we want them to engage in our "Do one thing different" campaign. Please offer your expertise.

NOT A TEACHER

(1) Grammar aside, a slogan has to be short. Therefore, your co-workers

would be very smart to accept your version.

(2) As far as grammar is concerned, perhaps it depends on what you

wish to say:

Do one thing different = Do one thing that is different from the other

things that you do.



Do one thing differently = Do one thing in a different manner from the

usual way in which you do that one thing.

 

[Barb_D]

The "think different" from Apple has me cringing every time I see it. Not as bad as "I'm loving it" but probably only because it doesn't also come with a really annoying jingle.

If I saw your campaign with "different," I'm sorry to say that my reaction would be "It's too bad no one checked the grammar."

Would about "Change one thing"? It's shorter and avoids the debate.

 

[suzannelho]

Thanks for this answer. Makes total sense without requiring that I diagram a sentence for my co-workers!

 

[Barb_D]

PS: Welcome to Using English. I hope you'll stick around and enjoy the fun. ;-)