Adverbs of degree are essential for adding precision and nuance to your English. They specify the intensity of an action, adjective, or another adverb, allowing you to express how much, how little, or to what extent something is true.
Understanding and using adverbs of degree correctly can significantly improve your writing and speaking skills, making your communication more effective and impactful. This guide is designed for English language learners of all levels who want to master this important aspect of grammar, from beginners to advanced students seeking to refine their understanding.
Whether you’re preparing for an English proficiency exam, aiming to write more compelling essays, or simply want to express yourself more accurately, this comprehensive guide will provide you with the knowledge and practice you need. We’ll explore the definition, structure, types, usage rules, common mistakes, and advanced topics related to adverbs of degree.
With numerous examples and practice exercises, you’ll gain a solid understanding of how to use these adverbs effectively.
Table of Contents
- Definition of Adverbs of Degree
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of Adverbs of Degree
- Examples of Adverbs of Degree
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of Adverbs of Degree
An adverb of degree is a type of adverb that modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate the intensity or degree of an action, quality, or manner. These adverbs answer the question “to what extent?” or “how much?”. They provide information about the level or intensity of something, ranging from a very high degree to a very low degree. Adverbs of degree are essential for adding precision and detail to sentences, allowing you to express the strength or weakness of a particular characteristic or action.
Adverbs of degree can be classified based on their function and the intensity they convey. Some adverbs of degree, known as intensifiers, strengthen the meaning of the word they modify. Others, called diminishers, weaken the meaning. Still others, approximators, indicate a degree that is close to but not exactly a specific point. Understanding these classifications can help you choose the most appropriate adverb to express your intended meaning.
The context in which an adverb of degree is used is crucial for understanding its meaning. The same adverb can have different effects depending on the word it modifies.
For example, the adverb “very” can significantly intensify an adjective like “happy” but may have a less pronounced effect on a verb like “like.” Therefore, it’s important to consider the specific word being modified and the overall meaning of the sentence when using adverbs of degree.
Structural Breakdown
The structure of sentences containing adverbs of degree is relatively straightforward. Generally, adverbs of degree are placed before the adjective, adverb, or verb they modify. This placement helps to clearly indicate which word is being intensified or diminished.
When modifying an adjective, the adverb of degree usually precedes the adjective. For example, in the sentence “She is very beautiful,” the adverb “very” comes before the adjective “beautiful,” indicating the extent of her beauty.
When modifying another adverb, the adverb of degree also typically precedes the adverb being modified. For instance, in the sentence “He ran incredibly quickly,” the adverb “incredibly” comes before the adverb “quickly,” showing the degree to which he ran quickly.
When modifying a verb, the placement can vary slightly depending on the specific adverb of degree and the verb tense. In general, adverbs of degree are placed before the main verb but after auxiliary verbs. For example, in the sentence “I have almost finished,” the adverb “almost” is placed after the auxiliary verb “have” but before the main verb “finished.” However, some adverbs of degree, like “completely,” can also be placed after the verb, depending on the desired emphasis.
The following table summarizes the typical placement of adverbs of degree:
| Modified Word | Placement of Adverb of Degree | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Adjective | Before the adjective | She is extremely talented. |
| Adverb | Before the adverb | He spoke remarkably clearly. |
| Verb | Before the main verb (after auxiliary verbs) | They have nearly completed the project. |
Types and Categories of Adverbs of Degree
Adverbs of degree can be categorized based on the intensity they convey. The three main categories are intensifiers, diminishers, and approximators.
Each category serves a distinct purpose in modifying the meaning of words and conveying different levels of intensity.
Intensifiers
Intensifiers are adverbs of degree that strengthen the meaning of the word they modify. They indicate a high degree of intensity or emphasis. Common intensifiers include “very,” “extremely,” “incredibly,” “really,” “absolutely,” “completely,” and “totally.” These adverbs are used to make adjectives, adverbs, or verbs stronger and more impactful.
For example, saying “The movie was very interesting” emphasizes that the movie was not just interesting but highly so. Similarly, “She sang incredibly well” highlights the exceptional quality of her singing. Intensifiers are essential for expressing strong feelings, opinions, or observations.
Diminishers
Diminishers are adverbs of degree that weaken the meaning of the word they modify. They indicate a low degree of intensity or emphasis. Common diminishers include “slightly,” “a little,” “somewhat,” “kind of,” “rather,” and “partially.” These adverbs are used to soften adjectives, adverbs, or verbs, making them less strong or impactful.
For example, saying “I am slightly tired” indicates that you are not very tired but just a little bit. Similarly, “He somewhat agreed with the proposal” suggests that he did not fully agree but had some level of agreement. Diminishers are useful for expressing politeness, uncertainty, or a lack of strong feelings.
Approximators
Approximators are adverbs of degree that indicate a degree that is close to but not exactly a specific point. They provide an estimate or approximation of the intensity. Common approximators include “almost,” “nearly,” “practically,” “virtually,” and “about.” These adverbs are used to suggest that something is close to being true, complete, or accurate, without being entirely so.
For example, saying “I am almost finished” indicates that you are close to completing something but have not yet finished. Similarly, “The project is nearly complete” suggests that the project is close to being finished but still requires some work. Approximators are helpful for providing estimates, indicating progress, or expressing near completion.
Examples of Adverbs of Degree
To further illustrate the use of adverbs of degree, here are several examples organized by category. Each table provides a variety of sentences using different adverbs of degree to modify adjectives, adverbs, and verbs.
The following table focuses on examples using intensifiers to increase the intensity of the words they modify.
| Sentence | Adverb of Degree | Modified Word | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| The coffee is extremely hot. | extremely | hot (adjective) | Intensifier |
| She is very talented. | very | talented (adjective) | Intensifier |
| He ran incredibly fast. | incredibly | fast (adverb) | Intensifier |
| I really enjoyed the concert. | really | enjoyed (verb) | Intensifier |
| The food was absolutely delicious. | absolutely | delicious (adjective) | Intensifier |
| She is completely exhausted. | completely | exhausted (adjective) | Intensifier |
| He is totally wrong. | totally | wrong (adjective) | Intensifier |
| The movie was highly entertaining. | highly | entertaining (adjective) | Intensifier |
| She is remarkably intelligent. | remarkably | intelligent (adjective) | Intensifier |
| He is awfully quiet today. | awfully | quiet (adjective) | Intensifier |
| The weather is exceptionally warm. | exceptionally | warm (adjective) | Intensifier |
| The team played surprisingly well. | surprisingly | well (adverb) | Intensifier |
| The play was intensely moving. | intensely | moving (adjective) | Intensifier |
| The professor is terribly strict. | terribly | strict (adjective) | Intensifier |
| They are thoroughly prepared. | thoroughly | prepared (adjective) | Intensifier |
| The car is unusually fast. | unusually | fast (adjective) | Intensifier |
| She is noticeably better. | noticeably | better (adjective) | Intensifier |
| He is decidedly optimistic. | decidedly | optimistic (adjective) | Intensifier |
| The concert was particularly enjoyable. | particularly | enjoyable (adjective) | Intensifier |
| It’s genuinely impressive. | genuinely | impressive (adjective) | Intensifier |
| The cake was amazingly delicious. | amazingly | delicious (adjective) | Intensifier |
| The performance was strikingly original. | strikingly | original (adjective) | Intensifier |
| She is plainly wrong. | plainly | wrong (adjective) | Intensifier |
The following table provides examples using diminishers to lessen the intensity of the words they modify.
| Sentence | Adverb of Degree | Modified Word | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| I am slightly tired. | slightly | tired (adjective) | Diminisher |
| He is a little nervous. | a little | nervous (adjective) | Diminisher |
| She somewhat agreed with the plan. | somewhat | agreed (verb) | Diminisher |
| I am kind of busy. | kind of | busy (adjective) | Diminisher |
| The movie was rather boring. | rather | boring (adjective) | Diminisher |
| The project is partially completed. | partially | completed (adjective) | Diminisher |
| He is marginally better today. | marginally | better (adjective) | Diminisher |
| I am barely awake. | barely | awake (adjective) | Diminisher |
| She is minimally involved. | minimally | involved (adjective) | Diminisher |
| He is scarcely interested. | scarcely | interested (adjective) | Diminisher |
| The room was faintly lit. | faintly | lit (adjective) | Diminisher |
| She barely touched her food. | barely | touched (verb) | Diminisher |
| He is slightly concerned. | slightly | concerned (adjective) | Diminisher |
| I mildly disliked the show. | mildly | disliked (verb) | Diminisher |
| She is moderately successful. | moderately | successful (adjective) | Diminisher |
| He is subtly different. | subtly | different (adjective) | Diminisher |
| The color is softly muted. | softly | muted (adjective) | Diminisher |
| She tepidly responded to the offer. | tepidly | responded (verb) | Diminisher |
| He is vaguely familiar. | vaguely | familiar (adjective) | Diminisher |
| I am hesitantly optimistic. | hesitantly | optimistic (adjective) | Diminisher |
| The soup was slightly salty. | slightly | salty (adjective) | Diminisher |
| She is somewhat disappointed. | somewhat | disappointed (adjective) | Diminisher |
| He is a little confused. | a little | confused (adjective) | Diminisher |
The following table provides examples using approximators to indicate a degree that is close to a specific point.
| Sentence | Adverb of Degree | Modified Word | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| I am almost finished. | almost | finished (adjective) | Approximator |
| The project is nearly complete. | nearly | complete (adjective) | Approximator |
| He is practically a genius. | practically | genius (noun) | Approximator |
| It is virtually impossible. | virtually | impossible (adjective) | Approximator |
| The meeting is about to start. | about | to start (verb) | Approximator |
| She is close to graduating. | close to | graduating (verb) | Approximator |
| He is essentially correct. | essentially | correct (adjective) | Approximator |
| The task is roughly done. | roughly | done (adjective) | Approximator |
| It’s more or less finished. | more or less | finished (adjective) | Approximator |
| They are just about ready. | just about | ready (adjective) | Approximator |
| The building is nearing completion. | nearing | completion (noun) | Approximator |
| She is bordering on genius. | bordering on | genius (noun) | Approximator |
| He is approaching retirement. | approaching | retirement (noun) | Approximator |
| The situation is verging on chaos. | verging on | chaos (noun) | Approximator |
| The cost is in the neighborhood of $100. | in the neighborhood of | $100 (noun) | Approximator |
| He is in the vicinity of the school. | in the vicinity of | school (noun) | Approximator |
| It’s something like that. | something like | that (pronoun) | Approximator |
| She is on the verge of tears. | on the verge of | tears (noun) | Approximator |
| He is on the point of leaving. | on the point of | leaving (verb) | Approximator |
| The process is well-nigh finished. | well-nigh | finished (adjective) | Approximator |
| It’s pretty much the same. | pretty much | the same (adjective) | Approximator |
| He’s close to understanding. | close to | understanding (verb) | Approximator |
| They are roughly equal. | roughly | equal (adjective) | Approximator |
Usage Rules
Using adverbs of degree correctly involves following certain rules to ensure clarity and accuracy. These rules pertain to placement, word choice, and avoiding ambiguity.
Placement: As mentioned earlier, adverbs of degree generally precede the word they modify. When modifying adjectives or other adverbs, place the adverb of degree directly before the adjective or adverb. When modifying verbs, the adverb of degree is usually placed before the main verb but after any auxiliary verbs. For example: “She is very happy,” “He ran incredibly quickly,” and “I have almost finished.”
Word Choice: Choosing the right adverb of degree is crucial for conveying the intended intensity. Consider the specific meaning you want to express and select an adverb that accurately reflects that meaning. For example, “very” is a general intensifier, while “extremely” and “incredibly” convey a higher degree of intensity. Similarly, “slightly” is a mild diminisher, while “barely” and “scarcely” indicate a very low degree.
Avoiding Ambiguity: Ensure that the placement of the adverb of degree does not create ambiguity. Sometimes, the placement can change the meaning of the sentence. For example, “He almost finished the race” means he nearly completed the race, while “He finished almost the race” means he completed most of the race. Be mindful of how the placement affects the meaning and choose the placement that accurately reflects your intention.
Some adverbs of degree have specific collocations or are more commonly used with certain types of words. For example, “absolutely” is often used with adjectives like “certain,” “sure,” and “necessary,” while “utterly” is often used with adjectives like “disappointed,” “ridiculous,” and “impossible.” Learning these common collocations can help you use adverbs of degree more naturally and effectively.
The following table summarizes some key usage rules for adverbs of degree:
| Rule | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Placement | Place the adverb of degree before the word it modifies (adjective, adverb, or verb). | She is very intelligent. He ran incredibly fast. |
| Word Choice | Choose the adverb that accurately reflects the intended intensity. | “Extremely” is stronger than “very.” “Slightly” is weaker than “somewhat.” |
| Avoiding Ambiguity | Ensure the placement does not change the intended meaning of the sentence. | “He almost finished” vs. “He finished almost.” |
| Collocations | Be aware of common collocations with specific adverbs of degree. | “Absolutely certain,” “utterly disappointed.” |
Common Mistakes
Even experienced English learners can make mistakes when using adverbs of degree. Recognizing and correcting these common errors can improve your accuracy and fluency.
Incorrect Placement: One common mistake is placing the adverb of degree in the wrong position in the sentence. For example, saying “She is intelligent very” instead of “She is very intelligent” is incorrect. Always ensure that the adverb of degree precedes the word it modifies.
Incorrect Word Choice: Another common mistake is using the wrong adverb of degree to express the intended intensity. For example, saying “I am extremely tired” when you only feel a little tired is an exaggeration. Choose the adverb that accurately reflects your feelings or observations.
Overusing Intensifiers: Overusing intensifiers like “very” and “really” can make your writing or speech sound monotonous. Try to vary your choice of adverbs and use more specific intensifiers when appropriate. For example, instead of saying “very good,” you could say “excellent,” “outstanding,” or “exceptional.”
Misusing Approximators: Misusing approximators can lead to confusion or misunderstanding. For example, saying “I am almost finished” when you have barely started is misleading. Use approximators accurately to reflect the degree of completion or accuracy.
The following table illustrates some common mistakes and their corrections:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| She is intelligent very. | She is very intelligent. | Adverb of degree should precede the adjective. |
| I am extremely tired (when only slightly tired). | I am slightly tired. | Choose the adverb that accurately reflects the intensity. |
| The movie was very, very good. | The movie was excellent. | Avoid overusing “very” by using a more specific adjective. |
| I am almost finished (when barely started). | I have barely started. | Use approximators accurately to reflect the degree of completion. |
Practice Exercises
To reinforce your understanding of adverbs of degree, complete the following practice exercises. Each exercise focuses on a different aspect of using adverbs of degree correctly.
Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with an appropriate adverb of degree.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The soup is ______ hot. | extremely |
| 2. She is ______ talented. | very |
| 3. He ran ______ fast. | incredibly |
| 4. I am ______ tired. | slightly |
| 5. The project is ______ complete. | nearly |
| 6. She is ______ kind. | genuinely |
| 7. The room was ______ quiet. | awfully |
| 8. He is ______ prepared. | thoroughly |
| 9. They are ______ equal. | roughly |
| 10. I ______ enjoyed the book. | really |
Exercise 2: Rewrite the following sentences using a stronger or weaker adverb of degree.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The coffee is very strong. (Stronger) | The coffee is exceptionally strong. |
| 2. I am somewhat busy. (Weaker) | I am slightly busy. |
| 3. She is almost finished. (More Precise) | She is practically finished. |
| 4. He is a little nervous. (Stronger) | He is quite nervous. |
| 5. The movie was rather boring. (Stronger) | The movie was extremely boring. |
| 6. The water was kind of cold. (Weaker) | The water was slightly cold. |
| 7. She is very intelligent. (Stronger) | She is remarkably intelligent. |
| 8. He ran pretty fast. (Stronger) | He ran incredibly fast. |
| 9. The task is roughly done. (More Precise) | The task is virtually done. |
| 10. They are somewhat ready. (Stronger) | They are almost ready. |
Exercise 3: Correct the following sentences that contain errors in the use of adverbs of degree. If the sentence is correct, write “Correct.”
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. She is intelligent very. | She is very intelligent. |
| 2. I am extremely tired (when only slightly tired). | I am slightly tired. |
| 3. The movie was very, very good. | The movie was excellent. |
| 4. I am almost finished (when barely started). | I have barely started. |
| 5. He is absolutely certain. | Correct |
| 6. She is scarcely awake. | Correct |
| 7. The weather is awfully hot. | Correct |
| 8. He is totally wrong. | Correct |
| 9. They are nearly finished. | Correct |
| 10. She is kind of busy. | Correct |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, exploring more complex aspects of adverbs of degree can further refine their understanding and usage. These topics include nuances in meaning, idiomatic expressions, and stylistic considerations.
Nuances in Meaning: Some adverbs of degree have subtle differences in meaning that can affect the tone and impact of a sentence. For example, “incredibly” and “remarkably” both indicate a high degree, but “incredibly” often implies surprise or disbelief, while “remarkably” suggests admiration or respect. Understanding these nuances can help you choose the most appropriate adverb to convey your intended meaning.
Idiomatic Expressions: Adverbs of degree are often used in idiomatic expressions that have a fixed meaning. For example, “pretty much” means “almost” or “nearly,” while “sort of” means “kind of” or “somewhat.” Learning these idiomatic expressions can help you understand and use English more naturally.
Stylistic Considerations: The use of adverbs of degree can also be a matter of style. Overusing intensifiers can make your writing sound exaggerated or insincere. Varying your choice of adverbs and using more specific adjectives or verbs can make your writing more engaging and effective. Consider the overall tone and purpose of your writing when choosing adverbs of degree.
Advanced learners should also pay attention to the context in which adverbs of degree are used. The same adverb can have different meanings or effects depending on the specific situation.
For example, “rather” can mean “somewhat” in some contexts but can also mean “instead” in others. Being aware of these contextual variations can help you avoid misunderstandings and use adverbs of degree more accurately.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about adverbs of degree, along with detailed answers to help clarify any remaining doubts.
- What is the difference between an adverb of degree and an adverb of manner?
- Can adverbs of degree modify nouns?
- Are there any adverbs of degree that can be placed after the verb?
- How do I choose the right adverb of degree for a specific situation?
- Can I use multiple adverbs of degree in the same sentence?
- What are some common intensifiers that are stronger than “very”?
- How can I improve my use of adverbs of degree in writing and speaking?
An adverb of degree indicates the intensity or extent of an action, adjective, or another adverb, answering the question “to what extent?” or “how much?”. An adverb of manner, on the other hand, describes how an action is performed, answering the question “how?”. For example, “She is very happy” uses an adverb of degree, while “She sang beautifully” uses an adverb of manner.
Generally, adverbs of degree modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, but not nouns directly. However, they can sometimes modify adjectives that describe nouns.
For example, in the sentence “He is practically a genius,” the adverb “practically” modifies the adjective “genius,” which describes the noun “he.”
Yes, some adverbs of degree can be placed after the verb, especially for emphasis or stylistic effect. For example, you can say “I enjoyed the movie completely” instead of “I completely enjoyed the movie.” However, this placement is less common and should be used carefully to avoid ambiguity.
Consider the intensity you want to convey and the specific meaning you want to express. If you want to strengthen the meaning of a word, use an intensifier.
If you want to weaken the meaning, use a diminisher. If you want to indicate a degree that is close to a specific point, use an approximator.
Also, pay attention to common collocations and stylistic considerations.
While it is possible to use multiple adverbs of degree in the same sentence, it is generally best to avoid doing so, as it can make the sentence sound awkward or redundant. If you need to express multiple degrees of intensity, try to use more specific adjectives or verbs instead.
Some common intensifiers that are stronger than “very” include “extremely,” “incredibly,” “remarkably,” ”
very,” “awfully,” “exceptionally,” “intensely,” “terribly,” “thoroughly,” and “unusually.” These adverbs convey a higher degree of intensity and can be used to emphasize strong feelings or observations.
Practice using adverbs of degree in different contexts, pay attention to common mistakes, and seek feedback from native English speakers. Read widely and listen to English conversations to observe how adverbs of degree are used in real-life situations.
Over time, you will develop a better understanding of how to use these adverbs accurately and effectively.
Conclusion
Adverbs of degree are powerful tools for expressing the intensity and nuance of your thoughts and ideas. By understanding their definition, structure, types, usage rules, and common mistakes, you can significantly improve your English language skills.
Whether you are writing an essay, giving a presentation, or simply having a conversation, mastering adverbs of degree will help you communicate more effectively and precisely.
Continue to practice using adverbs of degree in various contexts and pay attention to the feedback you receive. With consistent effort and attention to detail, you will become more confident and proficient in using these essential adverbs.
Remember to choose the right adverb for the intended meaning, place it correctly in the sentence, and avoid common errors. By doing so, you will enhance your ability to express yourself clearly and accurately in English.