Adverbs are an essential part of the English language, providing nuance and depth to the statements we make. Among the various types of adverbs, adverbs of degree play a crucial role in conveying the intensity, extent, or level of an action, adjective, or another adverb. Understanding and using adverbs of degree correctly can significantly enhance your English proficiency and enable you to express yourself more precisely.
What Are Adverbs of Degree?
Adverbs of degree describe the intensity or degree to which an action occurs, or to which a quality exists. They answer questions like “how much?” or “to what extent?” These adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. Some common adverbs of degree include very, quite, almost, extremely, totally, and barely.
Examples:
1. She is very happy.
2. He runs extremely fast.
3. The movie was quite interesting.
4. I am almost finished with my homework.
5. She barely touched her food.
In each of these sentences, the adverbs of degree modify either an adjective, a verb, or another adverb, providing more information about the extent or intensity of the action or quality.
Types of Adverbs of Degree
Adverbs of degree can be categorized based on the level of intensity they convey:
1. High Degree
These adverbs indicate a high level of intensity. Examples include extremely, absolutely, totally, and completely.
– She is extremely talented.
– I am absolutely certain about my decision.
– The room was totally silent.
– He was completely exhausted after the marathon.
2. Moderate Degree
These adverbs indicate a moderate or average level of intensity. Examples include fairly, quite, rather, and somewhat.
– The book was fairly interesting.
– It was quite cold last night.
– She is rather shy in social situations.
– The task was somewhat challenging.
3. Low Degree
These adverbs indicate a low level of intensity. Examples include slightly, barely, hardly, and almost.
– The soup is slightly too salty.
– He barely passed the exam.
– She hardly noticed the change.
– The project is almost complete.
Position of Adverbs of Degree
The position of adverbs of degree in a sentence can vary depending on what they are modifying. However, there are some general rules to keep in mind.
1. Modifying Adjectives and Other Adverbs
When adverbs of degree modify adjectives or other adverbs, they usually come directly before the word they modify.
– She is very intelligent.
– He runs incredibly fast.
2. Modifying Verbs
When adverbs of degree modify verbs, their position can vary. They often come before the main verb, especially in simple tenses.
– I almost finished my homework.
– She barely touched her food.
In perfect tenses, they usually come between the auxiliary verb and the main verb.
– He has completely forgotten about the meeting.
– They have nearly finished their work.
3. Sentence Adverbs
Sometimes, adverbs of degree can modify an entire sentence, providing a comment on the whole situation. In such cases, they typically come at the beginning of the sentence.
– Honestly, I was not expecting that result.
– Frankly, I don’t care about their opinion.
Common Mistakes with Adverbs of Degree
Using adverbs of degree can sometimes be tricky, and learners often make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
1. Overusing High-Degree Adverbs
While adverbs like very, extremely, and absolutely can add emphasis, overusing them can make your writing or speech sound exaggerated or less credible.
– Instead of saying, “She is very very talented,” consider saying, “She is extremely talented.”
2. Incorrect Positioning
Placing an adverb of degree in the wrong position can confuse the meaning of your sentence.
– Incorrect: He speaks fluently almost Spanish.
– Correct: He speaks Spanish almost fluently.
3. Misusing Adverbs with Adjectives
Not all adjectives can be modified by certain adverbs of degree. For instance, absolute adjectives like perfect, unique, and dead are often misused.
– Incorrect: She is very unique.
– Correct: She is truly unique or absolutely unique.
Exercises to Master Adverbs of Degree
Practice makes perfect. Here are some exercises to help you master the use of adverbs of degree:
1. Fill in the Blanks
Choose the correct adverb of degree to complete each sentence.
1. The weather is _______ cold today. (very/quite/absolutely)
2. She was _______ happy with her exam results. (slightly/completely/quite)
3. He has _______ finished his work. (almost/extremely/very)
4. The movie was _______ interesting. (barely/fairly/totally)
5. I am _______ certain about the answer. (hardly/absolutely/quite)
2. Sentence Correction
Correct the mistakes in the following sentences.
1. She is a very unique artist.
2. He speaks fluently almost English.
3. The cake is totally slightly sweet.
4. I am very very tired.
5. She hardly finished her work completely.
3. Create Your Own Sentences
Use the following adverbs of degree to create your own sentences: extremely, fairly, barely, totally, somewhat.
Conclusion
Adverbs of degree are a vital part of the English language, allowing us to express varying levels of intensity, extent, and degree. By understanding their types, positions, and common pitfalls, you can use them effectively to enhance your communication skills. Remember to practice regularly and pay attention to how native speakers use these adverbs in different contexts. With time and effort, you’ll find yourself using adverbs of degree naturally and accurately. Happy learning!
