In the English language, adverbs are crucial for adding depth and detail to our sentences. They help us describe actions, states, and qualities more vividly. However, sometimes we want to emphasize these descriptions even further. This is where intensifiers come into play. Intensifiers are words that boost the meaning of other adverbs, adjectives, or verbs, giving them more power and impact. In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of intensifiers with adverbs, their uses, and how they can enhance your language skills.
What Are Intensifiers?
Intensifiers are words that are used to add emphasis or force to an adjective, adverb, or verb. They don’t change the basic meaning of the word they modify but rather strengthen it. For example, in the phrase “very quickly,” “very” is an intensifier that makes “quickly” more intense.
Common intensifiers in English include words like “very,” “extremely,” “absolutely,” “totally,” “incredibly,” and “really.” They can be used to modify both adjectives and adverbs. In this article, we will focus on their use with adverbs.
Common Intensifiers with Adverbs
Here are some common intensifiers frequently used with adverbs:
1. Very: This is one of the most commonly used intensifiers. It can be used with almost any adverb to add emphasis.
– He drove very fast.
– She sings very beautifully.
2. Extremely: This intensifier adds even more emphasis than “very.”
– The exam was extremely difficult.
– They worked extremely hard.
3. Absolutely: This intensifier is often used to show that something is complete or total.
– The movie was absolutely amazing.
– She was absolutely certain about her decision.
4. Totally: Similar to “absolutely,” this intensifier emphasizes the completeness of an action or state.
– He was totally unprepared for the test.
– They were totally exhausted after the hike.
5. Incredibly: This intensifier is used to show that something is hard to believe or amazing.
– The view from the top was incredibly beautiful.
– She managed to finish the project incredibly quickly.
6. Really: This is another very common intensifier that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
– I’m really tired after the long day.
– He plays the guitar really well.
Placement of Intensifiers
The placement of intensifiers is crucial for clarity and naturalness in English. Typically, intensifiers come before the adverb they modify. Here are some examples to illustrate this point:
– Correct: She writes very neatly.
– Incorrect: She very writes neatly.
– Correct: He ran extremely fast.
– Incorrect: He extremely ran fast.
The intensifier should be placed directly before the adverb to create a smooth and natural sentence structure.
Using Intensifiers for Different Purposes
Intensifiers can be used for various purposes, depending on the context and the degree of emphasis needed. Let’s explore some common uses:
1. Emphasizing Degree or Extent
Intensifiers are often used to emphasize the degree or extent of an action or state. For example:
– The weather was extremely hot today.
– She was absolutely thrilled with the surprise party.
In these examples, the intensifiers “extremely” and “absolutely” emphasize the high degree of heat and thrill, respectively.
2. Expressing Surprise or Amazement
Intensifiers can also be used to convey surprise or amazement:
– He solved the puzzle incredibly quickly.
– The magic show was absolutely mesmerizing.
Here, “incredibly” and “absolutely” highlight the surprising and amazing nature of the actions or events.
3. Adding Precision or Clarity
In some cases, intensifiers help to add precision or clarity to a statement:
– She explained the concept very clearly.
– The instructions were totally confusing.
In these sentences, “very” and “totally” provide a clearer understanding of how the concept was explained and how confusing the instructions were.
4. Conveying Strong Emotions
Intensifiers are often used to convey strong emotions and feelings:
– I am really sorry for the inconvenience.
– We were absolutely delighted with the news.
“Really” and “absolutely” emphasize the sincerity of the apology and the level of delight, respectively.
Common Pitfalls and Misuses
While intensifiers can greatly enhance your language, it’s essential to use them correctly to avoid common pitfalls and misuses. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Avoid Overuse
Using too many intensifiers in a single sentence or paragraph can make your writing or speech sound exaggerated or unnatural. For example:
– She was very extremely happy with her absolutely amazing performance.
In this sentence, the overuse of intensifiers makes it sound awkward and less impactful. Instead, choose one or two intensifiers to convey your message effectively.
2. Choose Appropriate Intensifiers
Different intensifiers convey different levels of emphasis. Make sure to choose the appropriate intensifier for the context. For example:
– Incorrect: The exam was slightly difficult.
– Correct: The exam was extremely difficult.
In this case, “slightly” is not an appropriate intensifier for “difficult” as it downplays the difficulty instead of emphasizing it.
3. Be Mindful of Formality
Some intensifiers are more suitable for informal contexts, while others are better for formal settings. For example:
– Informal: The movie was really great.
– Formal: The movie was absolutely outstanding.
Using “really” in a formal context may not convey the same level of emphasis as “absolutely.”
Practical Exercises
To help you get a better grasp of using intensifiers with adverbs, here are some practical exercises:
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate intensifier from the options provided:
1. She speaks English _______ fluently. (very, totally, incredibly)
2. The cake tasted _______ delicious. (absolutely, slightly, really)
3. They were _______ surprised by the news. (extremely, a little, totally)
4. He finished the race _______ quickly. (really, absolutely, slightly)
5. The weather was _______ cold. (very, incredibly, totally)
Exercise 2: Rewrite the Sentences
Rewrite the following sentences by adding an appropriate intensifier to the adverb:
1. She sings beautifully.
2. The car moves fast.
3. He explained the concept clearly.
4. The book is interesting.
5. They worked hard.
Exercise 3: Create Your Sentences
Create your sentences using the following intensifiers with adverbs:
1. Very
2. Extremely
3. Absolutely
4. Totally
5. Incredibly
Conclusion
Intensifiers are powerful tools in the English language that can add depth, emphasis, and precision to your sentences. When used correctly, they can make your writing and speech more engaging and impactful. By understanding the common intensifiers, their placements, and their various uses, you can enhance your language skills and communicate more effectively.
Remember to avoid overusing intensifiers, choose the appropriate ones for the context, and be mindful of formality. With practice and careful consideration, you can master the art of using intensifiers with adverbs and take your language proficiency to the next level.
Happy learning!
