Hopefully means “in a hopeful manner.” We looked hopefully to the future. Some usage experts object to the use of hopefully as a sentence adverb, apparently on grounds of clarity. To be safe, avoid using hopefully in sentences such as the following: Hopefully, your son will recover soon.

Where can you use hopefully?

We commonly use hopefully in front position to say what we wish for or would like to happen. It is also sometimes used as a response to questions: Hopefully, the economic problems in the country will not get any worse.

Is it bad to start a sentence with hopefully?

We now support the modern usage of hopefully: it's hoped, we hope. That means—just as the AP Stylebook did in its tweet—you can begin sentences with “hopefully,” which is an adverb, and insulate yourself against attacks from the grammar police. “The AP Stylebook says it's A-OK,” you can tell them.