This is one word that has become almost completely acceptable in its incorrect form, hence its “questionable” status.

Most people use it to mean “it is hoped that,” as in the following sentence:

Example 1: Hopefully, the rain will
stop in time for the outdoor concert.

Hopefully can also be used to describe performing an action “in a hopeful manner,” as the following example demonstrates:

Example 2: We hopefully waited for the winner of the competition to be announced.

Example 2 illustrates what is considered by some to be the only correct usage of hopefully, while Example 1 is considered an outright error.

The argument against using hopefully in the manner of Example 1 is that the adverb–hopefully–is not modifying anything. The rain (in Example 1) is not performing an action in a hopeful manner. Other adverbs, such as thankfully, frankly, and honestly, are used similarly.

There is much debate over the correctness of using adverbs this way. To avoid controversy, switch from hopefully to I hope or we hope. Or you can choose to go with the masses and continue to use hopefully. Hopefully, no one will correct you.