Basic Intensifiers very, really
Welcome to this lesson on Basic Intensifiers! In English, we often use intensifiers like very and really to add extra emphasis to adjectives and adverbs. These words help to express a higher degree or a stronger feeling about the quality we are describing. For instance, “very tall” indicates a high degree of height, while “really fast” shows an exceptional speed. Let’s explore how to use these intensifiers effectively in various contexts! 😊
1. Introduction to Intensifiers
Intensifiers are words used to modify adjectives or adverbs, making your descriptions more vivid. The two most common intensifiers in English are very and really. Although they are often interchangeable, each can convey a slightly different nuance.
- Very is used to state a high degree in a straightforward manner. Example: “The building is very tall.” 🏢
- Really often adds a personal touch or stronger emphasis. Example: “The building is really tall!” 😮
2. Using “Very”
A. Definition and Usage
The intensifier very is placed before an adjective or adverb to emphasize its quality. It is widely used in both spoken and written English to indicate that something possesses a high degree of a certain quality.
B. Examples:
- 🏠 The house is very spacious.
- 🚗 The car is very fast.
- 📚 The book is very interesting.
- 🍽️ The meal was very delicious.
- 😊 She is very happy with her results.
- 💼 The office is very clean and organized.
- 🌳 The garden is very beautiful in spring.
- 🎶 His performance was very impressive.
- 🌞 Today is very sunny and bright.
- ⏰ I am very punctual for meetings.
3. Using “Really”
A. Definition and Usage
The intensifier really is used to express a strong personal reaction or to add extra emphasis to an adjective or adverb. It often conveys enthusiasm or a heightened degree of the quality being described.
B. Examples:
- 🏠 The apartment is really cozy and inviting.
- 🚗 The bike is really fast on smooth roads.
- 📚 This novel is really captivating from start to finish.
- 🍽️ The pasta was really tasty and well-seasoned.
- 😊 I am really excited about the concert tonight.
- 💼 Her presentation was really impressive in detail.
- 🌳 The park is really peaceful in the early morning.
- 🎶 The band played really well at the festival.
- 🌞 It is really hot outside today.
- ⏰ He is really punctual and never misses a meeting.
4. Comparing “Very” and “Really”
Although both “very” and “really” serve to intensify the meaning of adjectives and adverbs, they can be used slightly differently based on context and personal expression.
- Use very for a neutral, factual emphasis. Example: “The mountain is very high.” 🏔️
- Use really when you want to express a stronger personal reaction. Example: “The mountain is really high!” 😮
- You can sometimes combine them for extra emphasis, though this is more common in informal speech. Example: “She is really, really smart!” 🤓
- In formal writing, it is usually better to use one intensifier sparingly to maintain clarity and professionalism.
- Remember that overusing intensifiers can weaken their impact, so use them only when you truly want to add emphasis.