English for Today by Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose (Dr GAB)
COWARD, COWARDLY, COWARDICE
He is ~coward~ (nonstandard).
He is a coward (standard).
He is cowardly (standard).
Note that “coward” is a noun and “cowardly” is an adjective. So, while a person who is contemptibly lacking in the courage to do or endure dangerous or unpleasant things is said to be a coward, such persons are said to be cowardly and such cowardly disposition is said to be cowardice.
He is a coward. ✔️
He is cowardly. ✔️
Cowardice doesn’t make one go far in life. ✔️
Note however that “cowardly” should not be used to modify a verb like an adverb because it is an adjective.
He talks cowardly. ✖️
GAB
