Adverbs of degree are crucial tools in English grammar that modify adjectives, verbs, or other adverbs to indicate intensity or degree. Understanding how to use words like ‘very,’ ‘too,’ and ‘enough’ correctly can significantly improve your writing and speaking clarity, making your communication more precise and impactful for everyday and formal use.
Introduction: What Are Adverbs of Degree?
Adverbs of degree are a fundamental category of adverbs that answer the question “to what extent?” or “how much?”. They are used to intensify or weaken the meaning of an adjective, another adverb, or a verb. Mastering the use of adverbs of degree is essential for anyone looking to achieve nuance and precision in their communication, from casual conversation to formal academic and professional writing.
100 Examples of Adverbs of Degree
- absolutely
- almost
- altogether
- awfully
- completely
- deeply
- enough
- enormously
- entirely
- extremely
- fairly
- fully
- greatly
- hardly
- highly
- incredibly
- intensely
- just
- least
- less
- little
- lots
- most
- much
- nearly
- only
- perfectly
- positively
- practically
- pretty
- purely
- quite
- rather
- really
- remarkably
- simply
- slightly
- so
- somewhat
- strongly
- terribly
- thoroughly
- too
- totally
- utterly
- very
- virtually
- well
- almost
- barely
- decidedly
- deeply
- enough
- exceptionally
- excessively
- extraordinarily
- fantastically
- far
- fully
- greatly
- half
- immensely
- incredibly
- indeed
- intensely
- just
- largely
- most
- mostly
- notably
- particularly
- perfectly
- profoundly
- purely
- quite
- radically
- rather
- really
- remarkably
- severely
- significantly
- simply
- so
- substantially
- sufficiently
- supremely
- terribly
- thoroughly
- too
- totally
- tremendously
- truly
- utterly
- very
- vitally
- well
- wholly
- wonderfully
- adequately
- abundantly
Important Tips for Using Adverbs of Degree
- Position Matters: Adverbs of degree are typically placed before the adjective or adverb they modify (e.g., “highly intelligent,” “very quickly”). However, when modifying a verb, they can be more flexible, often placed before the main verb or at the end of the clause (e.g., “I completely agree” or “I agree completely”).
- The ‘Enough’ Exception: The adverb ‘enough’ is an exception to the standard placement rule. It is always placed after the adjective or adverb it modifies (e.g., “hot enough,” “quickly enough”).
- Avoid Double Negatives: Be careful with adverbs like ‘hardly’ and ‘scarcely.’ They already carry a negative meaning. Using them with ‘not’ creates a grammatical error. For example, say “I could hardly hear,” not “I couldn’t hardly hear.”
- Distinguish Between ‘Very’ and ‘Too’: ‘Very’ intensifies meaning, while ‘too’ indicates an excessive, often problematic, amount. For example, “The coffee is very hot” (it’s hot) vs. “The coffee is too hot” (it’s so hot I can’t drink it).
- Competitive Exam Focus: Many competitive exams test the correct usage of adverbs of degree, especially the difference between ‘much’ and ‘very’ (use ‘much’ with comparative degrees and ‘very’ with positive degrees), ‘so’ and ‘such,’ and the placement of ‘enough.’ Practice error-spotting and sentence correction questions on these topics.
Conclusion
Incorporating adverbs of degree effectively into your language arsenal allows you to express yourself with greater accuracy and sophistication. From crafting compelling essays to excelling in competitive exams, a solid grasp of how these adverbs function will undoubtedly elevate your command of the English language. Remember the key rules of placement and the nuanced meanings of different adverbs to communicate your intended message with confidence.
FAQs on Adverbs of Degree
Q1: What is the difference between ‘very’ and ‘too’?
A: ‘Very’ is used to add strong emphasis or intensity (e.g., “It’s very cold”). ‘Too’ implies an excessive or undesirable amount that goes beyond a limit (e.g., “It’s too cold to go outside”).
Q2: Where should I place the adverb ‘enough’ in a sentence?
A: The adverb ‘enough’ is unique because it is placed after the adjective or adverb it modifies. For example, “Is the room large enough?” or “She didn’t run quickly enough.”
Q3: Can an adverb of degree modify a noun?
A: Typically, no. Adverbs of degree modify adjectives, verbs, or other adverbs. However, words like ‘quite’ and ‘rather’ can sometimes be used before a noun phrase (e.g., “It was quite a party”), but they are modifying the article and noun combination as a whole unit.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for educational purposes to provide a general understanding of adverbs of degree. Grammar rules can have exceptions, and usage may vary in different contexts and dialects of the English language.
Also Read: Mastering Adjective Order: The Secret to Flawless English
Master Adverbs of Frequency: The Ultimate Guide with 100+ Examples
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