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Adverbs of degree are words that tell us about the intensity, extent, or degree of an action, adjective, or another adverb. These adverbs help us understand how much or to what extent something happens. For example, in the sentence “She is very happy,” the adverb “very” shows the degree of happiness. Understanding and using adverbs of degree correctly can make your sentences clearer and more precise.
What is an Adverb of Degree?
An adverb of degree is a type of adverb that tells us how much or to what extent something happens. These adverbs modify adjectives, verbs, or other adverbs, providing clarity about intensity or level. They answer questions like “How much?”, “To what degree?”, or “To what extent?”.
How to Identify an Adverb of Degree
You can identify adverbs of degree by asking questions like:
- How much?
- To what extent?
- To what degree?
These adverbs typically come before adjectives or other adverbs and after verbs. For instance:
- She was extremely tired. (before adjective)
- He ran quite quickly. (before adverb)
- They are almost finished.”(before verb)
Common Adverbs of Degree List
- Very
- Extremely
- Quite
- Too
- Almost
- Just
- Fairly
- Slightly
- Somewhat
- Completely
- Totally
- Absolutely
- Highly
- Partially
- Rather
- Perfectly
- Incredibly
- Extremely
- Nearly
- Completely
Usage
Adverbs of degree are used to modify the intensity or extent of an action, quality, or another adverb. Their placement depends on what they are modifying:
- Before adjectives or adverbs: She is very kind.
- After a verb: They worked hard enough.
- Before a main verb (sometimes): I completely agree.
Comparison of Adverbs of Degree
Some adverbs of degree can be compared, like adjectives. You can form the comparative and superlative forms of some of these adverbs using more and most.
- Comparative: more
- Superlative: most
- He is more careful than his brother. (Comparative)
- She is the most careful person I know. (Superlative)
Rules
Positioning:
The adverb of degree usually goes before the word it modifies, unless it’s modifying a verb, where it can come afterward.
- Correct: She sings quite beautifully.
- Correct: He worked hard enough.
Avoiding Double Negatives:
Don’t use adverbs like too or enough with negative sentences unless the meaning is intended.
- Correct: He didn’t run fast enough.
- Incorrect: He didn’t run too fast enough.
Common Mistakes
Misplacing Adverbs:
Beginners often place adverbs in the wrong position, especially in longer sentences.
- Incorrect: She speaks fluently English very.
- Correct: She speaks English very fluently.
Overusing Intensity:
Using multiple adverbs of degree can confuse the reader or listener.
- Incorrect: “She is too very tired.”
- Correct: “She is very tired.”
Using “too” Incorrectly:
Too is used to indicate a negative situation or excess.
- Incorrect: “She is too happy.” (unless you mean it’s excessive in a negative way)
- Correct: “She is very happy.”
Examples of Adverbs of Degree in Sentences
Here’s a breakdown of some common adverbs of degree with examples:
Very
To emphasize a high degree
- She is very excited about the trip.
- The weather is very hot today.
Too
To show excess or more than needed
- He is too tired to continue.
- The soup is too spicy for me.
Almost
To show something is nearly complete
- I almost forgot to call her.
- They almost finished their work.
Enough
To show sufficient degree (comes after the adjective/adverb)
- She is old enough to vote.
- He ran fast enough to win.
Quite
To show moderate intensity
- The movie was quite interesting.
- She’s quite good at playing the piano.
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