Intensifiers are words that are used to add emphasis or strength to another word. In English, intensifiers often appear before adverbs to modify the degree or intensity of the action described by the adverb. This article will delve into the world of intensifiers before adverbs, exploring how they are used, providing examples, and offering tips for language learners to understand and utilize them effectively.
What Are Intensifiers?
Intensifiers are words that modify adjectives, verbs, and adverbs to make them stronger or weaker. They add a layer of emphasis, making the meaning of the word they are modifying more pronounced. When placed before adverbs, intensifiers can amplify the intensity of the action or state described by the adverb.
Common intensifiers include words like “very,” “extremely,” “really,” “quite,” “so,” “too,” and “absolutely.” Each of these words can be used to modify an adverb, changing the intensity of the action or state described.
Examples of Intensifiers Before Adverbs
To understand how intensifiers work, let’s look at some examples:
1. **Very** quickly: “She ran very quickly to catch the bus.”
2. **Extremely** well: “He performed extremely well in the competition.”
3. **Really** slowly: “The traffic was moving really slowly during rush hour.”
4. **Quite** happily: “They lived quite happily in their new home.”
5. **So** carefully: “The artist painted the portrait so carefully.”
6. **Too** loudly: “The music was playing too loudly for me to concentrate.”
7. **Absolutely** perfectly: “She sang the song absolutely perfectly.”
In each of these examples, the intensifier modifies the adverb, providing additional emphasis to the action described.
Types of Intensifiers
Intensifiers can be broadly categorized into two types: amplifiers and downtoners.
Amplifiers
Amplifiers are intensifiers that increase the intensity of the word they modify. They make the meaning stronger and more emphatic. Common amplifiers include:
– Very
– Extremely
– Really
– So
– Absolutely
– Totally
– Completely
Examples:
– “She was driving **very** fast.”
– “The movie was **extremely** interesting.”
– “He was **so** tired after the long day.”
Downtoners
Downtoners, on the other hand, decrease the intensity of the word they modify. They make the meaning less strong or less emphatic. Common downtoners include:
– Quite
– Fairly
– Rather
– Slightly
– Somewhat
– A bit
Examples:
– “She was **quite** happy with the results.”
– “The movie was **fairly** interesting.”
– “He was **a bit** tired after the long day.”
Usage Rules and Tips
Using intensifiers before adverbs can add depth and nuance to your language, but it’s important to use them correctly. Here are some rules and tips to help you use intensifiers effectively:
1. Match the Intensifier to the Adverb
Not all intensifiers work equally well with all adverbs. Some combinations sound more natural than others. For example, “very quickly” sounds natural, but “very perfectly” might sound odd. Instead, you might use “absolutely perfectly.” Pay attention to common usage patterns and try to match the intensifier to the adverb appropriately.
2. Avoid Overuse
While intensifiers can add emphasis, overusing them can make your language sound exaggerated or unnatural. Use intensifiers sparingly to maintain their impact. Instead of saying “very, very quickly,” consider using “extremely quickly” or simply “quickly.”
3. Be Aware of Register
Some intensifiers are more formal or informal than others. For example, “absolutely” and “extremely” might be more appropriate in formal writing, while “really” and “so” might be more suitable for casual conversation. Consider the context and choose the intensifier that matches the level of formality.
4. Practice with Examples
One of the best ways to get comfortable using intensifiers before adverbs is to practice with examples. Create sentences using different combinations of intensifiers and adverbs to see how they sound. This will help you develop a feel for natural usage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even advanced language learners can make mistakes when using intensifiers before adverbs. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
1. Using Intensifiers with Incompatible Adverbs
As mentioned earlier, not all intensifiers work well with all adverbs. Be mindful of the combinations you use. For example, “very perfectly” might sound awkward, while “absolutely perfectly” sounds more natural.
2. Overusing Intensifiers
Using too many intensifiers can make your language sound exaggerated or unnatural. Instead of saying “really, really slowly,” consider using “extremely slowly” or simply “slowly.”
3. Ignoring Register
Some intensifiers are more formal or informal than others. Be aware of the context and choose the appropriate intensifier. For example, “absolutely” might be more suitable for formal writing, while “really” is better for casual conversation.
4. Misplacing Intensifiers
Intensifiers should be placed directly before the adverb they modify. Misplacing them can lead to confusion. For example, “She quickly very ran” is incorrect. The correct placement is “She ran very quickly.”
Practice Exercises
To help reinforce your understanding of intensifiers before adverbs, here are some practice exercises:
Exercise 1: Identify the Intensifier
Read the following sentences and identify the intensifier used before the adverb:
1. “He spoke very softly.”
2. “The team played extremely well.”
3. “She danced quite beautifully.”
4. “The car moved really slowly.”
5. “They laughed so loudly.”
Exercise 2: Match the Intensifier to the Adverb
Choose the most appropriate intensifier to match the adverb in each sentence:
1. “She ran ______ quickly.”
a) very
b) extremely
c) absolutely
2. “He performed ______ well.”
a) quite
b) really
c) somewhat
3. “The traffic was moving ______ slowly.”
a) fairly
b) absolutely
c) extremely
4. “They lived ______ happily.”
a) totally
b) quite
c) so
5. “The artist painted the portrait ______ carefully.”
a) too
b) completely
c) so
Exercise 3: Create Your Own Sentences
Create your own sentences using the following pairs of intensifiers and adverbs:
1. Very quickly
2. Extremely well
3. Really slowly
4. Quite happily
5. So carefully
Conclusion
Intensifiers before adverbs are powerful tools that can add depth and nuance to your language. By understanding how to use them effectively, you can make your communication more precise and emphatic. Remember to match the intensifier to the adverb, avoid overuse, be mindful of register, and practice with examples. By doing so, you’ll become more proficient in using intensifiers and enhance your overall language skills.
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced language learner, mastering the use of intensifiers before adverbs will undoubtedly improve your ability to express yourself clearly and emphatically. So, go ahead and experiment with different combinations, and watch your language skills soar!
