Adverbs of Degree

• “The rocket launched extremely fast.”
• “I am really enjoying my coffee.”

In this lesson, we will cover the two broad types of adverbs of degree—grading adverbs and non-grading adverbs—explain how they work with both adjectives and verbs, and point out some common mistakes. Let’s dive in!

1. Grading Adverbs

Grading adverbs are used to modify gradable adjectives—those qualities that can vary in intensity (for example, “hot”, “cold”, “happy”). They either strengthen or weaken the meaning of the adjectives they modify.

A. Definition and Usage

These adverbs help indicate how much of a quality is present. They come in various intensities:

• Extremely – Conveys a very high degree (e.g., “It is extremely cold outside.”).
• Very – Adds strong emphasis (e.g., “The movie was very exciting.”).
• Really – Means “truly” or “in a strong way” (e.g., “I really enjoyed that song.”).
• Remarkably – Indicates something is surprising or unusual (e.g., “She is remarkably talented.”).
• Fairly – Implies a moderate degree (e.g., “The test was fairly easy.”).
• Quite – Can either intensify or moderate, depending on context and regional usage (e.g., US: “The hotel is quite luxurious.” / UK: “The hotel is quite nice.”).
• Slightly – Indicates a small amount (e.g., “I am slightly tired.”).
• Not very – Used to downplay (e.g., “The food is not very spicy.”).
• Barely – Means almost not at all (e.g., “I can barely see the stars.”).
• Not particularly – Shows no special quality (e.g., “The book was not particularly interesting.”).

B. Examples of Grading Adverbs with Adjectives

Here are 15 examples showing how grading adverbs modify adjectives:

1. The rocket launched extremely fast.
2. It is very sunny today.
3. The film was really captivating.
4. Her idea is remarkably innovative.
5. The cake tastes fairly sweet.
6. The lecture was quite informative.
7. The weather is slightly chilly.
8. The explanation was not very clear.
9. The music sounds barely audible in the distance.
10. The breeze is not particularly refreshing today.
11. The painting is extremely beautiful.
12. The phone is really advanced.
13. He runs very quickly.
14. The artist’s work is remarkably original.
15. The pizza is fairly hot to eat right now.

2. Non-Grading Adverbs

Non-grading adverbs are used with non-gradable adjectives—those adjectives that describe absolute qualities, which cannot really vary in degree. These adverbs add emphasis or express totality and certainty.

A. Definition and Usage

Non-gradable adjectives (like “perfect,” “unique,” or “impossible”) represent qualities that are either fully present or not at all. Non-grading adverbs help to strengthen these adjectives.

B. Examples of Non-Grading Adverbs

1. The diamond is absolutely flawless.
2. The victory was completely deserved.
3. The ice is utterly frozen.
4. The system is entirely secure.
5. His aim is perfectly accurate.
6. The instructions are absolutely clear.
7. Her performance was completely flawless.
8. The view from the mountain is absolutely breathtaking.
9. The event was totally unforgettable.
10. The fortress appears entirely impregnable.
11. His knowledge is absolutely comprehensive.
12. The mission was completely successful.
13. Her professionalism is utterly impressive.
14. The castle is totally magnificent.
15. The discovery is absolutely groundbreaking.

3. Using Adverbs of Degree to Modify Verbs

Adverbs of degree not only modify adjectives but can also be used with verbs to show the extent or intensity of an action. They help us understand how much or to what extent an action is performed.

Examples of Adverbs Modifying Verbs

1. She really enjoys listening to music.
2. He absolutely loves running in the morning.
3. They quite appreciate their teacher’s guidance.
4. I really admire your painting skills.
5. We absolutely devoured dinner last night.
6. She really dislikes working overtime.
7. He really excels at surfing competitions.
8. They absolutely nailed the concert performance.
9. I quite enjoy practicing yoga every day.
10. We really appreciate your help on this project.
11. She absolutely believes in the power of positive thinking.
12. He really understands the new concept.
13. They really value your input.
14. I absolutely need a break after this busy week.
15. We absolutely rely on our GPS when traveling.

4. Common Mistakes

When using adverbs of degree, avoid mixing up expressions and overusing them with adjectives that already have an absolute meaning. Here are some common mistakes along with corrections:

• Incorrect: “She is very unique.” – Unique means one-of-a-kind, so it does not need a degree modifier.
• Correct: “She is absolutely unique.”
• Incorrect”The result is completely good.”
• Correct: “The result is very good.”
• Incorrect”The weather is slightly perfect.”
• Correct: “The weather is absolutely perfect.”
• Incorrect”The task is extremely impossible.”
• Correct: “The task is absolutely impossible.”
• Incorrect”He is fairly brilliant.”
• Correct: “He is utterly brilliant.”
• Incorrect”The building is very enormous.”
• Correct: “The building is absolutely enormous.”
• Incorrect”The idea is slightly awful.”
• Correct: “The idea is completely awful.”
• Incorrect”She is extremely dead in the movie.”
• Correct: “She is completely dead in the movie.”
• Incorrect”The test was fairly excellent.”
• Correct: “The test was absolutely excellent.”
• Incorrect”The glass is very empty.”
• Correct: “The glass is completely empty.”

5. Adverbs Used with Both Gradable and Non-Gradable Adjectives

Some adverbs, such as “really,” “fairly,” and “pretty”, can be used with both gradable and non-gradable adjectives. The meaning may vary based on the context or regional differences.

Examples:

1. She is really happy today. (gradable)
2. The test was fairly easy. (gradable)
3. The movie was pretty amazing. (non-gradable)
4. The shirt is really clean. (gradable)
5. The road is fairly straight. (gradable)
6. The castle is pretty old. (gradable)
7. The app is really useful. (gradable)
8. The cake is fairly delicious. (gradable)
9. The performance was pretty perfect. (non-gradable)
10. The bike is really new. (gradable)
11. The waves are fairly big today. (gradable)
12. The weather is pretty excellent. (non-gradable)
13. The book is really interesting. (gradable)
14. The pizza is fairly hot. (gradable)
15. The party was pretty unforgettable. (non-gradable)