Intensifiers are a fascinating aspect of the English language that can dramatically alter the meaning and impact of your sentences. They are words or phrases used to give force or emphasis, enhancing the strength of the adjectives, adverbs, or verbs they modify. Understanding and effectively using intensifiers can significantly improve your communication skills and make your language more vibrant and expressive.
What Are Intensifiers?
Intensifiers are words that amplify the meaning of other words. They can make an adjective or adverb stronger, more emphatic, or more intense. For instance, the word “very” in the phrase “very happy” makes the adjective “happy” more intense. Similarly, “extremely” in “extremely fast” emphasizes the speed much more than just “fast” alone.
Common Intensifiers
There are several common intensifiers in English, including:
– **Very**: This is perhaps the most common intensifier. It can be used with both adjectives and adverbs, such as in “very tall” or “very quickly.”
– **Really**: Another frequently used intensifier, interchangeable with “very” in many contexts. For example, “really beautiful” or “really slowly.”
– **Extremely**: This intensifier is stronger than “very” or “really” and is used to convey a higher degree of intensity, such as “extremely hot” or “extremely loudly.”
– **So**: Often used in informal speech, this intensifier can emphasize adjectives and adverbs, as in “so tired” or “so well.”
– **Absolutely**: This intensifier conveys a sense of totality and is typically used with non-gradable adjectives, such as “absolutely sure” or “absolutely perfect.”
– **Completely**: Similar to “absolutely,” it is used to express totality, such as in “completely wrong” or “completely finished.”
– **Incredibly**: This intensifier conveys a sense of amazement or disbelief, as in “incredibly fast” or “incredibly small.”
Usage of Intensifiers
The use of intensifiers varies depending on the context and the degree of emphasis you want to convey. Here are some guidelines on how to use them effectively:
With Adjectives
Intensifiers can be used with both gradable and non-gradable adjectives. Gradable adjectives describe qualities that can vary in intensity or degree, such as “happy,” “tall,” or “cold.” Non-gradable adjectives describe absolute qualities that cannot vary in intensity, such as “perfect,” “dead,” or “unique.”
For gradable adjectives:
– “She is very happy.”
– “The water is extremely cold.”
For non-gradable adjectives:
– “He is absolutely sure.”
– “The solution is completely unique.”
With Adverbs
Intensifiers can also modify adverbs to emphasize the manner, degree, or frequency of an action:
– “She sings very beautifully.”
– “He works incredibly hard.”
– “They finished the project extremely quickly.”
With Verbs
While less common, intensifiers can occasionally modify verbs to emphasize the action. In these cases, they often come before the verb or are used in conjunction with auxiliary verbs:
– “I really appreciate your help.”
– “They absolutely adore their new puppy.”
Choosing the Right Intensifier
Choosing the right intensifier can depend on several factors, including the formality of the context, the degree of emphasis you want to convey, and the specific word being intensified.
Formality
In formal writing or speech, it is often better to use more precise language and avoid overusing intensifiers. Words like “extremely” and “absolutely” may be more appropriate in formal contexts, whereas “really” and “so” are often used in informal settings.
Formal:
– “The findings are extremely significant.”
– “She is absolutely convinced of her theory.”
Informal:
– “That movie was really awesome!”
– “I am so tired after the trip.”
Degree of Emphasis
The choice of intensifier also depends on how much emphasis you want to place on the word. “Very” is a milder intensifier compared to “extremely” or “absolutely,” which convey a higher degree of intensity.
Milder:
– “The task was very difficult.”
– “She is very pleased with the outcome.”
Stronger:
– “The task was extremely difficult.”
– “She is absolutely thrilled with the outcome.”
Specific Words
Certain intensifiers collocate (naturally occur) with specific words. For example, “bitterly” is often used with words like “cold” or “disappointed,” while “highly” is frequently used with words like “unlikely” or “recommended.”
– “It was bitterly cold outside.”
– “She was bitterly disappointed by the results.”
– “The course is highly recommended.”
Avoiding Overuse
While intensifiers can add emphasis and color to your language, overusing them can have the opposite effect, making your speech or writing seem exaggerated or insincere. It is essential to use intensifiers judiciously and ensure that they genuinely add to the meaning of your sentence.
For example, instead of saying, “The movie was very, very, very good,” it might be more effective to use a single, stronger intensifier: “The movie was absolutely fantastic.”
Intensifiers in Different Contexts
Intensifiers can be used in various contexts, from everyday conversations to academic writing. Here are some examples of how they can be applied in different settings:
Everyday Conversations
In casual conversations, intensifiers can help express emotions and reactions more vividly:
– “I’m so excited about the concert tonight!”
– “That joke was really funny.”
Academic Writing
In academic writing, intensifiers can emphasize the importance or significance of research findings or arguments. However, it is crucial to use them sparingly and appropriately:
– “The results of the study are extremely important for future research.”
– “The author makes a compelling argument.”
Business Communication
In business communication, intensifiers can help convey urgency, importance, or enthusiasm:
– “It is absolutely essential to meet the deadline.”
– “We are highly impressed with your proposal.”
Exercises to Practice Intensifiers
To become more comfortable using intensifiers, try these exercises:
Fill in the Blanks
Complete the sentences with appropriate intensifiers:
1. She was ________ happy with her test results.
2. The weather is ________ cold today.
3. He works ________ hard on his projects.
4. The movie was ________ boring.
5. They are ________ convinced of their success.
Rewrite the Sentences
Rewrite the following sentences using different intensifiers to change the degree of emphasis:
1. The cake is very delicious.
2. He is very tired after the long journey.
3. The book is very interesting.
4. She is very good at playing the piano.
5. The team is very motivated to win the match.
Create Your Own Sentences
Create your own sentences using the following intensifiers:
1. Absolutely
2. Really
3. Extremely
4. Completely
5. So
Conclusion
Intensifiers are powerful tools in the English language that can add emphasis, emotion, and clarity to your communication. By understanding their various uses and choosing the right intensifier for the context, you can make your speech and writing more effective and engaging. Remember to use intensifiers judiciously to avoid overuse and ensure that they genuinely enhance your message. With practice, you’ll become adept at using intensifiers to convey your thoughts and feelings with precision and impact.
