LoginAdverbs of Degree
Discover the rules for using adverbs of degree, like 'absolutely', 'barely', and 'entirely'. Detailed explanations and a quiz to test your knowledge.
What Are Adverbs of Degree?
Adverbs of degree show the intensity or degree of something. They answer the questions 'how much' or 'to what extent'. These adverbs usually modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs and make them stronger or weaker.
Adverbs of Degree: Placement
Adverbs of degree are usually placed:
before the main verb
I almost made it on time. (modifying the verb)
before the adjective or adverb
He ran quite slowly. (modifying the adverb)
She is very thin. (modifying the adjective)
Adverbs of Degree: Types
Adverbs of degree can be categorized into three groups.
Intensifiers
Intensifiers are a type of adverb used to add emphasis or intensity to an adjective or adverb in a sentence. They help make the meaning of the word they modify stronger or more forceful.
Common Intensifiers
Here are some of the common intensifiers used to strengthen adjectives or adverbs or emphasize the meaning of verbs.
I ate very quickly.
I totally forgot about the meeting.
Intensifiers: Types
Intensifiers are further categorized into two groups:
Intensifier used with gradable adjectives (those that can have measurable levels of degree or intensity)
Intensifier used with ungradable adjectives (those that describe an extreme or absolute state)
Gradable adjectives show a point on a scale. For example, 'cheap' and 'expensive' are adjectives on the scale of 'how much something costs.' On the other hand, ungradable adjectives represent the two extreme ends of the scale, like 'priceless' and 'worthless', so the adverb cannot add to the degree of such adjectives; rather, it emphasizes that quality.
Look at some examples:
Intensifier + gradable adjective | Intensifier + ungradable adjective |
|---|---|
very hot | absolutely boiling |
extremely expensive | completely priceless |
really small | absolutely tiny |
very hungry | totally starving |
That new jacket looks absolutely expensive.
We can make gradable adjectives stronger using 'very', but not 'absolutely'.
That new jacket looks very expensive.
Moderators
Moderators are relative based on the speaker's opinion. In other words, they are neither an intensifier nor a mitigator. For example:
It's pretty cold outside.
It's a fairly complicated problem.
'This' and 'That' as Moderators
'This' and 'that' both can be used as moderators, but, when we use 'this' we are usually talking about something current, immediate, or directly experienced by the speaker. For example:
I've never seen her this excited.
He didn't expect to wait this long.
However, when we use 'that' we are talking about something hypothetical, past, or not directly experienced at the moment.
I didn't know the exam would be that hard!
I just had lunch at McCarran's. It wasn't that good.
Mitigators
Mitigators, also known as downtoners, have the opposite effect of intensifiers. They are used to make words and expressions less strong or forceful, reducing the emphasis on them.
Common Mitigators
Here are some common mitigators used to weaken the adjectives or adverbs:
a bit
slightly
somewhat
kind of
barely
I'm a bit worried that it will not turn out as we hope.
That last question was somewhat difficult.
I could barely hear his voice.
Special Case: Enough
Unlike other adverbs, 'enough' as an adverb of degree appears after the adjective or adverb that it is modifying, not before it.
It is used in positive and negative sentences.
Is your tea hot enough?
You didn't work hard enough.
Tip!
'Enough' can also be used as a determiner. In that case, it will be placed before the noun it modifies.
It is used with plural countable nouns and with uncountable nouns.
We have enough money.
There aren't enough plates for all the guests.
'Very' vs. 'Too'
'Very' is used to emphasize the degree or intensity of an adjective, adverb, or phrase, while 'too' implies that there is a problematic or excessive level of the quality being described, making it more than what is needed or acceptable. Compare the examples:
Maria is very young.
Maria is too young to get married.
This box is very heavy.
This box is too heavy for me to lift.
Review
Adverbs of degree come before adjectives, adverbs, or main verbs to express how much or how high the level of a quality is. They can be categorized as:
intensifiers: very, extremely, absolutely, completely
modifiers: pretty, fairly, this, that
mitigators: somewhat, slightly, a bit
Quiz:
Which sentence uses an adverb of degree correctly?
She is extremely happy with her new job.
He ran enough fast to win the race.
The coffee was very boiling.
They arrived completely late.
Match each sentence with the correct category of adverb of degree.
Which sentence uses "too" correctly as an adverb of degree?
The movie was too interesting!
He too arrived early.
She was too tired to continue working.
They ran too quickly for fun.
Complete each sentence using the appropriate adverb. (There are two extra options.)
I was
nervous about the presentation, but it went well.
Is your room clean
for inspection?
He
missed his flight because of traffic.
This earring is
expensive because of its unique gemstone.
She's
exhausted after working double shifts all week.
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