Unit 2.2

Adverbs of Degree: Intensifiers


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Introduction

Adverbs are words that function as modifiers of other elements of a clause. They can provide a wide range of information.

Adverbs of degree or intensifiers provide information about the intensity of an action or adjective.

Form

Intensifiers usually are placed:

  • between the auxiliary verbs to be or to have and the other verbs or the words they modify
    Subject + auxiliary verb + intensifier + other verb;
  • before other verbs or words
    Suject + intensifier + verb.

The most commonly used intensifiers are: completely, deeply, hardly, incredibly, scarcely, virtually…

 

Example

  • I am completely satisfied with my salary.
  • She hasn’t deeply forgiven him.
  • We can hardly hear her offer.
  • He is incredibly lucky to have you in his life.
  • They scarcely know each other.
  • I gave him a gift and he virtually just said a plain “thanks”.

Use

Intensifiers modify adjectives and show the intensity of an action.

Summary

Adverbs of degree give information about the intensity of an action or adjective.

In addition to the intensifiers, a number of other adverbs exists such as: completely, hardly, incredibly, scarcely, virtually, deeply…

They are placed either after the auxiliary verbs or before other verbs or words.

For example:
— “It is hardly my fault.” = Hardly is used after the auxiliary verb is.
— “I hardly ate anything.” = Hardly is positioned before the verb ate.

Let’s revise this content within the {Form} section. Take a look at the {Example} section that shows its use within a context.

Related

Adverbs of degree are usually positioned after to be or to have.

For better understanding:

In English, you express the frequency with Adverbs of frequency, the time with Adverbs of time, the way (how) with Adverbs of manner, and the place with Adverbs of place.

For better understanding about adverbs:

  • in B2 level, we also express the speaker’s attitude towards action with Adverbs of attitude.

Exercises

External link to Adverbs of Degree: Intensifiers exercises (142).



More exercises

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