When SOLO is accentuated

The accentuation of the adverb SOLO in Spanish is one of the most controversial issues in the field of study and the norm of the Spanish language in recent years. The Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) recommends the deletion of the tilde of only when this adverb can be replaced by "only", as established in the New Spelling (2010).

In this lesson from a TEACHER we will review some of the differing views on this new spelling standard and explain when it is accentuated SOLO and what can we do if we have doubts about whether or not to accentuate this word. Keep reading!

In the previous editions of the Spelling of the Spanish Language it was recommended to use the diacritical tilde (´) in the adverb "solo" in order to be able to differentiate it from the adjective "solo", since they are two words that are written the same and, therefore, ambiguous statements can be originated, such as the following, collected by the RAE:

• Works only on sundays = Works only / only on Sundays, no other days.
• Works only on sundays = Works without a partner / without any company on Sundays.

Nevertheless, in the last edition of the New Spelling from 2010, the use of the diacritical tilde in the adverb "solo" was removed, arguing that the use of the graphic accent serves, mainly, to distinguish between words tonic (which are the ones that would be accentuated) and unstressed words (which would not have an accent) that share the same morphology. In the case of the adverb "solo" and the adjective "solo" it would not be valid to use the accent because both terms are tonic words.

In cases where semantic ambiguity is unavoidable, the Academy justifies the deletion of the tilde by explaining that, through the communicative or enunciative context, it is possible to distinguish and correctly interpret both words, without using the accent graphic.

Also, in the case of communicative situations that are very difficult to disambiguate through the communicative elements of the context, it is recommended to use synonyms, such as "only" or "only", instead of the adverb "only".

As of the publication of the New Spelling of the Spanish language in 2010 they have not stopped happening various controversies and opinions facing supporters of keeping the tilde versus those who believe that the new spelling standard is correct.

The academic and member of the RAE, Salvador Gutiérrez, who has also coordinated the New Spelling explains, in favor of this new measure, that "in 1959 the Academy, to avoid ruptures, left it at will, but from that year to the present the RAE does not put the check mark in only in all his posts, though keep leaving it optional".

As a consequence of the enormous problems and casuistry that arose from this new spelling rule, the Academy has taken the decision to allow the accentuation of the adverb "solo", Despite the general idea of ​​eliminating this check mark, relying on an earlier spelling rule.

Thus, the Academy points out that the accent "solo" is an exception in itself, since the main use of the diacritical accent is the differentiation between a stressed word and an unstressed word. However, "only" as an adverb and "only" as an adjective are both stressed words, so the use of the accent would be completely unnecessary, although it is true that the Academy allows its use for purely extra-linguistic reasons, as for example, the custom or the habit of doing it.

Therefore, we can say that the adverb "only" can continue to be accentuated if you prefer follow the criterion of comfort by having always accentuated it. However, even though the Academy does not expressly prohibit it, it does recommend, as far as possible, to avoid it.

In addition, it is also preferable, in case of doubt, to resort to the use of synonyms, at the time of writing, and thus avoid possible errors, such as accentuating the adjective "only" instead of the adverb "only".