More important vs. More importantly

[voodoo]

I cringe when I hear someone say, "More importantly..."
I was taught that importantly is NOT a word.
Sort of how fastly is not a word.

What is the truth?

[Kisatchie]

Here it is, straight from The American Heritage Dictionary:

http://education.yahoo.com/reference/dictionary/entry/important

[voodoo]

"But both forms are widely used by reputable writers, and there is no obvious reason for preferring one or the other."

Well, okay then.
It's one of those things that sounds weird to me.

[Sevvy]

You wouldn't hear someone say: "But more important, I'm always right."

They would say: "But more importantly, I'm always right."

When I hear "more importantly", I think of it being employed in an example like this.

[voodoo]

You wouldn't hear someone say: "But more important, I'm always right."

They would say: "But more importantly, I'm always right."

When I hear "more importantly", I think of it being employed in an example like this.

I have heard it said (and written) that way.
That's why I asked.

And then I found this...

"The adverbial construction "more importantly"
is trying to modify a verb within the main part of the sentence,
which isn't appropriate. "More important" will suffice —
or consider leaving it out altogether.
(For the same reason, when enumerating causes,
say, we'd write "third" instead of "thirdly.")"

Perhaps it how one uses it...

[Sevvy]

Perhaps it how one uses it...

I wouldn't be surprised if it was a regional thing as well, or has some crazy history behind it. Because I've never heard anyone say "more important" in the example I was given.

[Jamesaritchie]

Both forms may be widely used, but one is correct, the other incorrect.

[Wayne K]

They would say: "But more importantly, I'm always right."
.
I agree. That's the one my wife always uses :D

[PeterL]

Both are used, and they mean different things, so there should be no problem with both existing. If the meanings were the same, then there would be no reason for "more importantly" to be used.

[Rufus Coppertop]

And then I found this...

"The adverbial construction "more importantly"
is trying to modify a verb within the main part of the sentence,
which isn't appropriate. "More important" will suffice —
or consider leaving it out altogether.
(For the same reason, when enumerating causes,
say, we'd write "third" instead of "thirdly.")"


Where did you find this?