Adverbs of Degree: Definition, Usage, and Examples
Understanding adverbs of degree is crucial for expressing the intensity of actions, adjectives, or other adverbs in English. These adverbs provide nuance and precision, allowing speakers and writers to convey the extent to which something is true or occurs.
This article offers a comprehensive guide to adverbs of degree, covering their definition, structure, types, usage rules, common mistakes, and advanced applications. Whether you’re an ESL student, a writer aiming for clarity, or simply interested in improving your English grammar, this detailed exploration will equip you with the knowledge and skills to master adverbs of degree.
By mastering adverbs of degree, you can significantly enhance your ability to express yourself accurately and effectively in both spoken and written English. This detailed guide provides the necessary tools and knowledge to confidently use these adverbs in any context.
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 adjectives, verbs, or other adverbs to indicate the intensity or degree to which something happens or is true. These adverbs answer the question “to what extent?” and provide crucial information about the level of an action or quality.
They add depth and precision to language, allowing for more nuanced communication.
Adverbs of degree can express a range of intensities, from very high to very low. They help to refine the meaning of the words they modify, providing a more accurate representation of the speaker’s intent.
Recognizing and using adverbs of degree correctly is essential for clear and effective communication in English.
For example, in the sentence “She is very happy,” the adverb “very” modifies the adjective “happy,” indicating a high degree of happiness. Similarly, in “He almost finished the race,” the adverb “almost” modifies the verb “finished,” showing that he came close to completing the race.
Structural Breakdown
Adverbs of degree typically precede the word they modify. This is particularly true when they modify adjectives or other adverbs.
However, when modifying verbs, their position can vary slightly depending on the specific adverb and the sentence structure.
Adverb + Adjective: In this structure, the adverb of degree comes directly before the adjective. For instance, “Extremely difficult,” “Slightly different,” or “Completely wrong.” The adverb intensifies or diminishes the meaning of the adjective, providing a more specific description.
Adverb + Adverb: Similar to adjectives, adverbs of degree can also modify other adverbs. For example, “He ran incredibly fast,” “She spoke remarkably clearly,” or “They worked exceptionally well together.” Here, the adverb of degree enhances or reduces the impact of the adverb it modifies.
Adverb + Verb: When modifying verbs, the position of the adverb of degree can be more flexible. It often comes before the main verb, but can also appear after auxiliary verbs. Examples include “I almost forgot,” “She has completely changed,” or “They hardly noticed.” The placement can sometimes affect the emphasis of the sentence.
Understanding these structural patterns helps in constructing grammatically correct and clear sentences using adverbs of degree. Pay attention to the word order to ensure the intended meaning is effectively conveyed.
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 expressing the degree of an action, adjective, or other adverb.
Intensifiers
Intensifiers are adverbs of degree that increase the intensity of the word they modify. They indicate a high degree or extent. Common intensifiers include very, extremely, incredibly, really, quite, totally, absolutely, completely, highly, deeply, exceptionally, remarkably, and utterly. These adverbs add emphasis and strength to the meaning of the words they modify.
For instance, saying “The movie was very entertaining” indicates a higher level of enjoyment than simply saying “The movie was entertaining.” Similarly, “She is completely exhausted” conveys a stronger sense of fatigue than “She is tired.”
Diminishers
Diminishers, conversely, reduce the intensity of the word they modify. They indicate a low degree or extent. Examples of diminishers include slightly, a little, somewhat, hardly, barely, scarcely, partially, marginally, minimally, and kind of. These adverbs soften the impact of the words they modify, making them less forceful.
For example, “I am slightly disappointed” expresses a milder form of disappointment compared to “I am very disappointed.” Similarly, “He hardly tried” suggests a minimal effort, in contrast to “He tried hard.”
Approximators
Approximators indicate that something is close to a certain degree or extent, but not exactly. They suggest an approximation or near-completion. Common approximators include almost, nearly, practically, virtually, essentially, about, and so. These adverbs provide a sense of imprecision, indicating that something is close to being true or complete.
For instance, “I am almost finished” means that the task is very close to completion. Similarly, “He practically lives there” suggests that he spends a significant amount of time in that location. These adverbs add a nuanced layer of meaning to the sentences.
Examples of Adverbs of Degree
The following tables provide extensive examples of adverbs of degree in various contexts, categorized by intensifiers, diminishers, and approximators. Each table includes multiple examples to illustrate the usage of these adverbs in different sentences.
Here is a table showcasing the usage of Intensifiers with adjectives, verbs, and other adverbs to increase the intensity of the modified words.
| Adverb of Degree (Intensifier) | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Very | The soup was very hot. |
| Extremely | The exam was extremely difficult. |
| Incredibly | She sang incredibly well. |
| Really | I am really happy to see you. |
| Quite | The movie was quite enjoyable. |
| Totally | I am totally exhausted after the workout. |
| Absolutely | The performance was absolutely stunning. |
| Completely | He is completely satisfied with the results. |
| Highly | The book is highly recommended. |
| Deeply | She was deeply moved by the story. |
| Exceptionally | He performed exceptionally well under pressure. |
| Remarkably | The team worked remarkably efficiently. |
| Utterly | I am utterly disappointed with the service. |
| So | It was so cold outside. |
| Awfully | The weather is awfully hot today. |
| Intensely | He was intensely focused on his work. |
| Exceedingly | The task was exceedingly complex. |
| Majorly | I am majorly impressed by her skills. |
| Significantly | The project was significantly improved. |
| Seriously | I am seriously considering the offer. |
| Decidedly | The atmosphere was decidedly festive. |
| Notably | The research was notably innovative. |
| Distinctly | I distinctly remember the event. |
| Strikingly | The contrast was strikingly apparent. |
| Profoundly | The experience affected him profoundly. |
| Invaluably | Her assistance was invaluably helpful. |
| Immensely | We are immensely grateful for your support. |
This table presents examples of Diminishers, illustrating how they soften or reduce the intensity of the words they modify.
| Adverb of Degree (Diminisher) | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Slightly | I am slightly concerned about the deadline. |
| A little | She felt a little nervous before the presentation. |
| Somewhat | The task was somewhat challenging. |
| Hardly | He hardly ate anything at the party. |
| Barely | They barely made it to the airport on time. |
| Scarcely | She scarcely noticed the mistake. |
| Partially | The project was only partially completed. |
| Marginally | The results were marginally better than expected. |
| Minimally | The damage was minimally affected. |
| Kind of | I am kind of tired after the long day. |
| Somewhat | The evidence is somewhat inconclusive. |
| Moderately | The weather was moderately warm. |
| Tad | I am a tad bit worried about the test. |
| Faintly | I faintly remember the incident. |
| Remotely | I am not even remotely interested in that. |
| Nominally | The price was only nominally higher. |
| Superficially | The issue was superficially addressed. |
| Infrequently | We infrequently visit that place. |
| Occasionally | We occasionally dine out. |
| Sparsely | The area was sparsely populated. |
| Inconspicuously | He inconspicuously left the room. |
| Tentatively | She tentatively approached the dog. |
| Eerily | The house was eerily quiet. |
| Dimly | I dimly recall the event. |
| Vaguely | I vaguely remember his name. |
| Indistinctly | I could indistinctly hear the music. |
| Subtly | The flavor was subtly different. |
This table illustrates the usage of Approximators, showing how they indicate a near or approximate degree of something.
| Adverb of Degree (Approximator) | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Almost | I am almost finished with the report. |
| Nearly | The project is nearly complete. |
| Practically | He practically lives at the library. |
| Virtually | The old house is virtually empty. |
| Essentially | The problem is essentially solved. |
| About | It is about time to leave. |
| So | I am so ready for vacation. |
| Close to | We are close to reaching our goal. |
| Around | It costs around fifty dollars. |
| Just about | I am just about ready to go. |
| Much | I much prefer tea over coffee. |
| Roughly | There were roughly 200 people there. |
| More or less | The work is more or less done. |
| Approaching | The deadline is fast approaching. |
| In the vicinity of | The suspect was seen in the vicinity of the crime scene. |
| Adjunctly | The decision was made adjunctly. |
| Borderline | His behavior was borderline inappropriate. |
| Quasi | The agreement was quasi official. |
| In effect | In effect, the law was changed. |
| In part | The failure was in part due to negligence. |
| Upwards of | There were upwards of a thousand attendees. |
| Thereabouts | The cost is $500 or thereabouts. |
| Proximately | The cause was proximately linked to the event. |
| Verging on | His actions were verging on reckless. |
| Within reach of | Success is within reach of our grasp. |
| Getting on for | He is getting on for seventy years old. |
These tables provide a comprehensive overview of how adverbs of degree are used to modify adjectives, verbs, and other adverbs, enhancing the precision and impact of your language.
Usage Rules
Using adverbs of degree correctly involves understanding their placement, the words they can modify, and the specific nuances they convey. Here are some key usage rules to keep in mind.
Placement: As mentioned earlier, adverbs of degree usually precede the word they modify. This is especially true for adjectives and other adverbs. For verbs, the placement can vary, but it’s generally before the main verb or after an auxiliary verb.
Modification: Adverbs of degree can modify adjectives, verbs, and other adverbs. However, they cannot modify nouns. For example, you can say “The food was very tasty” (modifying the adjective “tasty”), but you cannot say “He is a very student.”
Intensifiers vs. Diminishers: Be mindful of the specific meaning of each adverb. Intensifiers increase the intensity, while diminishers decrease it. Using the wrong type can significantly alter the meaning of your sentence.
Formal vs. Informal: Some adverbs of degree are more formal than others. For instance, “extremely” and “exceptionally” are generally more formal than “really” and “kind of.” Choose your adverbs based on the context and audience.
Avoiding Redundancy: Be careful not to use adverbs of degree that are redundant with the words they modify. For example, saying “completely finished” is often redundant because “finished” already implies completion. Similarly, “totally unique” is redundant because “unique” means one-of-a-kind.
Using “Too”: The adverb “too” indicates that something is excessive or beyond what is desirable. It’s often used with adjectives or adverbs and can have negative connotations. For example, “The coffee is too hot” suggests that the coffee is uncomfortably hot.
Using “Enough”: The adverb “enough” indicates that something is sufficient or adequate. It typically comes after the adjective or adverb it modifies. For example, “The room is big enough” means the room is sufficiently large.
By following these usage rules, you can ensure that you’re using adverbs of degree correctly and effectively, enhancing the clarity and precision of your communication.
Common Mistakes
Even experienced English speakers sometimes make mistakes with adverbs of degree. Here are some common errors to watch out for:
Incorrect Placement: Placing the adverb in the wrong position can alter the meaning of the sentence or make it grammatically incorrect.
Incorrect: I forgot almost my keys.
Correct: I almost forgot my keys.
Modifying Nouns: Adverbs of degree cannot modify nouns.
Incorrect: He is a very student.
Correct: He is a very good student.
Redundancy: Using adverbs that are redundant with the words they modify.
Incorrect: The project is completely finished.
Correct: The project is finished.
Misusing “Too” and “Enough”: Using “too” when “enough” is more appropriate, or vice versa.
Incorrect: The soup is enough hot.
Correct: The soup is too hot.
Incorrect: The room is too big. (when you mean it’s sufficiently big)
Correct: The room is big enough.
Using the Wrong Intensifier/Diminisher: Choosing an adverb that conveys the opposite of the intended meaning.
Incorrect: I am slightly happy. (when you mean you are very happy)
Correct: I am very happy.
Overusing Adverbs: Using too many adverbs in a sentence can make it sound awkward and cluttered.
Incorrect: She sang incredibly beautifully well.
Correct: She sang incredibly well. or She sang beautifully.
By being aware of these common mistakes, you can avoid them and use adverbs of degree more accurately and effectively.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of adverbs of degree with these practice exercises. Each exercise includes 10 questions with varying levels of difficulty.
Answers are provided at the end of each exercise.
Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with an appropriate adverb of degree (very, slightly, almost, completely, hardly).
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The coffee is ______ hot to drink. | too |
| 2. I am ______ finished with my work. | almost |
| 3. She is ______ tired after the long flight. | very |
| 4. He ______ ate anything at the party. | hardly |
| 5. The project is ______ complete. | completely |
| 6. I am ______ disappointed with the results. | slightly |
| 7. The movie was ______ enjoyable. | very |
| 8. They ______ made it to the airport on time. | almost |
| 9. The task was ______ difficult. | very |
| 10. She is ______ satisfied with her performance. | completely |
Exercise 2: Choose the correct adverb of degree from the options provided.
| Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The water was (slightly / extremely) cold. | slightly, extremely | extremely |
| 2. He (almost / hardly) missed the train. | almost, hardly | almost |
| 3. I am (very / a little) concerned about the situation. | very, a little | very |
| 4. She is (completely / partially) responsible for the mistake. | completely, partially | partially |
| 5. The book is (highly / slightly) recommended. | highly, slightly | highly |
| 6. They (barely / really) noticed the change. | barely, really | barely |
| 7. I am (totally / somewhat) confused. | totally, somewhat | totally |
| 8. The food was (kind of / incredibly) delicious. | kind of, incredibly | incredibly |
| 9. The results were (marginally / exceptionally) better. | marginally, exceptionally | exceptionally |
| 10. He is (so / hardly) interested in sports. | so, hardly | hardly |
Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences using an adverb of degree to add intensity or reduce it.
| Original Sentence | Rewritten Sentence (with Adverb of Degree) |
|---|---|
| 1. The movie was good. | The movie was very good. |
| 2. I am tired. | I am completely tired. |
| 3. He tried. | He hardly tried. |
| 4. The soup is hot. | The soup is extremely hot. |
| 5. She is happy. | She is incredibly happy. |
| 6. The task is difficult. | The task is somewhat difficult. |
| 7. I am satisfied. | I am completely satisfied. |
| 8. They are late. | They are almost late. |
| 9. The cake is sweet. | The cake is slightly sweet. |
| 10. He is busy. | He is very busy. |
These exercises offer a practical way to reinforce your understanding of adverbs of degree and improve your ability to use them correctly in various contexts.
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, there are several more complex aspects of adverbs of degree to explore. These topics delve into the nuances of adverb usage and their impact on sentence structure and meaning.
Adverbs of Degree with Comparative and Superlative Adjectives: Adverbs of degree can be used to modify comparative and superlative adjectives, further refining the level of comparison. For example, “She is much taller than her brother” or “This is by far the best movie I’ve ever seen.”
Adverbs of Degree in Formal Writing: In formal writing, it’s important to choose adverbs of degree that are appropriate for the tone and audience. Avoid using informal adverbs like “kind of” or “sort of” in academic or professional contexts. Instead, opt for more formal adverbs like “significantly,” “considerably,” or “substantially.”
Adverbs of Degree in Literary Contexts: In literature, adverbs of degree can be used creatively to create vivid imagery and convey strong emotions. Authors often use adverbs of degree to emphasize certain qualities or actions, enhancing the reader’s experience.
The Impact of Adverb Placement on Emphasis: The placement of an adverb of degree can affect the emphasis of the sentence. For example, “I really need to study” emphasizes the need to study, while “I need to really study” emphasizes the act of studying.
Combining Adverbs of Degree: While it’s generally best to avoid overusing adverbs, there are cases where combining them can be effective. For example, “She is very, very happy” can convey a stronger sense of happiness than simply saying “She is very happy.” However, use this technique sparingly to avoid sounding repetitive.
By exploring these advanced topics, you can gain a deeper understanding of adverbs of degree and their role in creating effective and nuanced communication.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about adverbs of degree:
Q1: What are adverbs of degree?
A1: Adverbs of degree are adverbs that modify adjectives, verbs, or other adverbs to indicate the intensity or degree to which something happens or is true. They answer the question “to what extent?” and provide crucial information about the level of an action or quality.
Q2: Can adverbs of degree modify nouns?
A2: No, adverbs of degree cannot modify nouns. They can only modify adjectives, verbs, or other adverbs.
Q3: What are some common intensifiers?
A3: Common intensifiers include very, extremely, incredibly, really, quite, totally, absolutely, completely, highly, deeply, exceptionally, remarkably, and utterly.
Q4: What are some common diminishers?
A4: Examples of diminishers include slightly, a little, somewhat, hardly, barely, scarcely, partially, marginally, minimally, and kind of.
Q5: What are some common approximators?
A5: Common approximators include almost, nearly, practically, virtually, essentially, about, and so.
Q6: Where do adverbs of degree typically go in a sentence?
A6: Adverbs of degree usually precede the word they modify. This is especially true for adjectives and other adverbs.
For verbs, the placement can vary, but it’s generally before the main verb or after an auxiliary verb.
Q7: How can I avoid redundancy when using adverbs of degree?
A7: Be careful not to use adverbs of degree that are redundant with the words they modify. For example, saying “completely finished” is often redundant because “finished” already implies completion.
Choose your words carefully to avoid unnecessary repetition.
Q8: What is the difference between “too” and “enough”?
A8: The adverb “too” indicates that something is excessive or beyond what is desirable, while “enough” indicates that something is sufficient or adequate. “Too” typically comes before the adjective or adverb it modifies, while “enough” typically comes after.
Conclusion
Adverbs of degree are essential tools for expressing the intensity and extent of actions, adjectives, and other adverbs in English. By understanding their definition, structure, types, usage rules, and common mistakes, you can significantly improve your ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
Whether you are writing a formal essay, engaging in casual conversation, or crafting creative prose, mastering adverbs of degree will enhance the precision and nuance of your language.
Remember to practice using adverbs of degree in various contexts to solidify your understanding and develop confidence in your ability to use them correctly. Pay attention to the placement of adverbs, the words they modify, and the specific meanings they convey.
With consistent effort and attention to detail, you can master adverbs of degree and elevate your English language skills to new heights.
