When learning English, one of the essential components to master is the use of adverbs. Among the various types of adverbs, adverbs of degree hold a significant place. These adverbs provide information on the intensity, extent, or degree of an action, adjective, or another adverb. By understanding how to use adverbs of degree accurately, you can add precision and richness to your spoken and written English.
What Are Adverbs of Degree?
Adverbs of degree modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate the intensity or degree of an action, quality, or another adverb. These words help to answer questions like “how much?” “to what extent?” or “how intensely?” Adverbs of degree can be used to express a range of intensities, from very low to very high.
Examples of common adverbs of degree include:
– Very
– Quite
– Almost
– Completely
– Totally
– Barely
– Extremely
– Hardly
– Nearly
– Absolutely
For instance:
– She is very happy.
– He is extremely talented.
– The project is almost finished.
Placement in Sentences
Adverbs of degree are typically placed before the adjective, adverb, or verb they modify. However, the exact placement can vary depending on the structure of the sentence and the specific adverb used.
1. **Before Adjectives and Adverbs**:
– She is extremely intelligent.
– He runs very quickly.
2. **Before Main Verbs**:
– They almost won the game.
– I completely agree with you.
3. **After the Verb ‘To Be’**:
– She is totally prepared.
– They are quite happy with the results.
4. **Between an Auxiliary Verb and the Main Verb**:
– She has nearly finished her homework.
– They can barely hear the music.
Common Adverbs of Degree and Their Usage
Let’s explore some of the most frequently used adverbs of degree and see how they are employed in sentences:
1. **Very**:
– Usage: To show a high degree of something.
– Example: She is very excited about the trip.
2. **Quite**:
– Usage: To show a moderate degree of something.
– Example: The movie was quite interesting.
3. **Almost**:
– Usage: To indicate that something is nearly complete or true.
– Example: The work is almost done.
4. **Completely**:
– Usage: To show that something is done to the fullest extent.
– Example: She was completely surprised by the party.
5. **Totally**:
– Usage: Similar to ‘completely’, it shows full extent.
– Example: I am totally convinced by your argument.
6. **Barely**:
– Usage: To indicate a very low degree or just enough.
– Example: He barely passed the exam.
7. **Extremely**:
– Usage: To show an intense or high degree.
– Example: The weather is extremely cold today.
8. **Hardly**:
– Usage: To indicate a minimal amount.
– Example: She can hardly believe the news.
9. **Nearly**:
– Usage: To indicate that something is close to happening.
– Example: We are nearly there.
10. **Absolutely**:
– Usage: To show complete certainty or extent.
– Example: I am absolutely sure about this decision.
Comparative and Superlative Forms
While adverbs of degree do not typically have comparative and superlative forms, some adverbs can be modified to show different degrees of comparison. For example:
– **More** and **Most** can be used with some adverbs to form comparative and superlative degrees.
– She is more confident now.
– He is the most qualified candidate.
Using Adverbs of Degree with Different Sentence Structures
Understanding how to incorporate adverbs of degree into different sentence structures can significantly enhance your English proficiency. Here are some examples:
1. **Affirmative Sentences**:
– She is extremely talented.
– They completely understand the situation.
2. **Negative Sentences**:
– He doesn’t quite get the point.
– They can’t hardly wait for the event. (Note: ‘can’t hardly’ is often considered informal or non-standard English; the correct form is ‘can hardly’).
3. **Interrogative Sentences**:
– Are you very sure about this?
– Did she almost finish the project?
4. **Exclamatory Sentences**:
– She is so beautiful!
– The movie was absolutely fantastic!
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even advanced learners sometimes make mistakes when using adverbs of degree. Here are some common errors and tips on how to avoid them:
1. **Misplacing the Adverb**:
– Incorrect: She reads very quickly the book.
– Correct: She reads the book very quickly.
2. **Using the Wrong Adverb**:
– Incorrect: He is very tallest in the class.
– Correct: He is the tallest in the class. (Note: ‘very’ is not used with superlatives)
3. **Double Negatives**:
– Incorrect: I can’t hardly wait.
– Correct: I can hardly wait.
4. **Overuse of Adverbs**:
– While adverbs of degree add emphasis, overusing them can make sentences sound awkward or redundant.
– Example: She is very very happy. (Instead, use: She is extremely happy.)
Exercises and Practice
To master the use of adverbs of degree, consistent practice is crucial. Here are some exercises to help you practice:
1. **Fill in the Blanks**:
– She is ____ (completely/very) tired after the long trip.
– They can ____ (barely/absolutely) hear the speaker.
2. **Correct the Sentences**:
– He is the most tallest in the group.
– She runs very quickly the marathon.
3. **Create Your Own Sentences**:
– Write five sentences using different adverbs of degree to describe your daily activities.
Conclusion
Adverbs of degree are indispensable tools in the English language, providing clarity and emphasis to your statements. By understanding their placement, usage, and common pitfalls, you can significantly enhance your communication skills. Remember, practice makes perfect. So, integrate adverbs of degree into your daily conversations and writing to become more fluent and expressive in English.
Happy learning!
