Adverbs are essential components of the English language, and they add significant value to our sentences by providing more detail about verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. Among the various types of adverbs, adverbs of degree hold a unique place. These adverbs modify adjectives, verbs, and other adverbs to tell us the intensity or degree of an action, quality, or another adverb. They answer questions like “how much?” or “to what extent?”
Understanding and using adverbs of degree correctly can greatly enhance your English language skills, making your communication more precise and expressive. In this article, we will delve into the world of adverbs of degree, discussing their types, functions, and usage with plenty of examples to help you master them.
What Are Adverbs of Degree?
Adverbs of degree modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs to indicate the intensity or degree of an action, state, or quality. They help to provide a clearer picture of the situation described. For example:
– She is very happy.
– He runs extremely fast.
– The soup is too hot.
As seen in these examples, adverbs of degree like “very,” “extremely,” and “too” modify adjectives (happy, hot) and adverbs (fast) to convey the extent of the happiness, speed, or temperature.
Types of Adverbs of Degree
Adverbs of degree can be broadly categorized into several types based on the intensity they convey. Here are some common categories:
1. High Degree
These adverbs indicate a high degree of intensity. They include words like:
– Very
– Extremely
– Incredibly
– Exceptionally
– Terribly
Examples:
– She is extremely talented.
– The movie was incredibly exciting.
2. Medium Degree
These adverbs indicate a moderate degree of intensity. They include words like:
– Quite
– Fairly
– Rather
– Somewhat
Examples:
– The test was quite difficult.
– He is fairly confident about his skills.
3. Low Degree
These adverbs indicate a low degree of intensity. They include words like:
– Slightly
– A bit
– A little
– Barely
Examples:
– She was slightly annoyed by the noise.
– He is a bit tired after the long journey.
4. Negative Degree
These adverbs indicate a negative degree of intensity. They include words like:
– Hardly
– Scarcely
– Barely
Examples:
– She could hardly believe her eyes.
– They had barely enough time to catch the train.
5. Absolute Degree
These adverbs indicate an absolute or total degree of intensity. They include words like:
– Completely
– Totally
– Absolutely
– Entirely
Examples:
– The house is completely renovated.
– I am totally convinced of his innocence.
Placement of Adverbs of Degree
The position of adverbs of degree in a sentence depends on what they are modifying. They can appear before adjectives, before verbs, or before other adverbs. Here are some general rules for their placement:
1. Before Adjectives
When adverbs of degree modify adjectives, they usually come directly before the adjective. For example:
– She is very intelligent.
– The weather is extremely cold.
2. Before Adverbs
When adverbs of degree modify other adverbs, they also come directly before the adverb. For example:
– He drives quite slowly.
– She sings exceptionally well.
3. Before Verbs
When adverbs of degree modify verbs, their placement can vary. They can appear before the main verb, between the auxiliary verb and the main verb, or after the verb. For example:
– She almost finished her work. (before the main verb)
– He has completely forgotten the appointment. (between the auxiliary verb and the main verb)
– They enjoyed the party immensely. (after the verb)
Common Mistakes with Adverbs of Degree
Learners often make mistakes when using adverbs of degree. Here are some common errors and how to avoid them:
1. Using “Very” with Absolute Adjectives
Absolute adjectives describe qualities that are either present or not, with no middle ground (e.g., perfect, unique, dead). Using “very” with these adjectives is incorrect. Instead, use adverbs like “completely” or “totally.”
Incorrect: The solution is very perfect.
Correct: The solution is completely perfect.
2. Confusing “Too” and “Very”
“Too” implies an excessive degree, often with a negative connotation, while “very” simply emphasizes the adjective or adverb without implying excessiveness.
Incorrect: She is too happy.
Correct: She is very happy.
Incorrect: The soup is very hot to eat.
Correct: The soup is too hot to eat.
3. Misplacing Adverbs of Degree
Placing adverbs of degree in the wrong position can lead to confusion or awkward sentences. Ensure that the adverb is placed correctly relative to what it is modifying.
Incorrect: He speaks English fluently quite.
Correct: He speaks English quite fluently.
4. Overusing Adverbs of Degree
Using too many adverbs of degree in a sentence can make it sound cluttered and unnatural. Use them sparingly to maintain clarity and readability.
Incorrect: She is very extremely talented.
Correct: She is extremely talented.
Exercises for Practicing Adverbs of Degree
To help solidify your understanding of adverbs of degree, here are some exercises. Try to complete them and check your answers.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Choose the correct adverb of degree to complete each sentence.
1. The movie was _______ interesting. (very/too)
2. He was _______ tired to continue. (quite/too)
3. She is _______ confident in her abilities. (extremely/slightly)
4. The cake is _______ delicious. (absolutely/fairly)
5. They were _______ surprised by the news. (barely/completely)
Exercise 2: Correct the Mistakes
Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences.
1. The water is very boiling.
2. He speaks English fluently quite.
3. She is too happy about the results.
4. The assignment is very impossible.
5. They are very completely satisfied with the service.
Exercise 3: Rewrite the Sentences
Rewrite the following sentences using a different adverb of degree.
1. She is very talented.
2. The book is quite interesting.
3. He is slightly annoyed.
4. The weather is extremely hot.
5. She sings very well.
Answers to Exercises
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
1. The movie was very interesting.
2. He was too tired to continue.
3. She is extremely confident in her abilities.
4. The cake is absolutely delicious.
5. They were completely surprised by the news.
Exercise 2: Correct the Mistakes
1. The water is boiling.
2. He speaks English quite fluently.
3. She is very happy about the results.
4. The assignment is completely impossible.
5. They are completely satisfied with the service.
Exercise 3: Rewrite the Sentences
1. She is extremely talented.
2. The book is fairly interesting.
3. He is a bit annoyed.
4. The weather is incredibly hot.
5. She sings exceptionally well.
Conclusion
Adverbs of degree are powerful tools that can add depth and precision to your language. By understanding their types, functions, and correct placement, you can enhance your communication skills and express yourself more effectively. Remember to avoid common mistakes and practice regularly to master the use of adverbs of degree. With time and effort, you’ll find that these adverbs become an integral part of your vocabulary, allowing you to convey your thoughts and emotions with greater clarity and impact.
Whether you’re writing an essay, giving a presentation, or having a casual conversation, the appropriate use of adverbs of degree will undoubtedly enrich your English language proficiency. So, keep practicing, and soon you’ll be using them with confidence and ease!
