What are Adverbs of Degree?
Adverbs of degree are important in school grammar and for competitive exams. They help you clearly describe how much or to what extent something happens in everyday English. Mastering them boosts your confidence in speaking and writing.
| Adverb of Degree | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Very | The test was very difficult. |
| Too | The soup is too salty. |
| Extremely | She is extremely talented. |
| Almost | He almost missed the train. |
| Quite | The room is quite large. |
| So | The movie was so funny. |
| Barely | He barely slept last night. |
| Completely | The job is completely finished. |
| Really | I really enjoyed the show. |
| Fairly | The cake is fairly sweet. |
| Utterly | They were utterly confused. |
| Highly | She is highly respected. |
| Absolutely | This answer is absolutely correct. |
| Slightly | He was slightly tired. |
| Nearly | The work is nearly done. |
What Are Adverbs of Degree?
Adverbs of degree are words that describe the intensity or extent of an action, adjective, or another adverb. They answer questions like “How much?” or “To what extent?” For example, in “She is very happy,” “very” shows the degree of happiness.
Main Characteristics and Usage Rules
- Adverbs of degree usually come before the adjective or adverb they modify. Example: “It is too cold.”
- They may also modify verbs, though less commonly. Example: “She almost won.”
- Some, like “enough,” come after the word they describe. Example: “old enough.”
- They cannot split adjectives (e.g., not “very talentedly,” but “very talented”).
- Choosing the right adverb changes the sentence’s meaning. Example: “He is somewhat tired” vs. “He is extremely tired.”
How to Use Adverbs of Degree in Sentences
- Place adverbs of degree just before the word they modify (“She was completely ready”).
- For “enough,” put it after the adjective/adverb (“She is tall enough”).
- Do not use degree adverbs with non-gradable adjectives (“very perfect” is incorrect).
- Use these adverbs to add clarity and precision in writing and speech.
Adverbs of Degree vs. Other Adverb Types
| Type | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Degree | Shows amount or extent | The soup is very hot. |
| Manner | Shows how something is done | She ran quickly. |
| Frequency | Shows how often | They always arrive early. |
Common Mistakes and Corrections
- Wrong: She is very best at dancing.
Right: She is the best at dancing (very cannot modify superlative adjectives). - Wrong: He is too much excited.
Right: He is very excited. - Wrong: The water is enough cold.
Right: The water is cold enough.
Adverbs of degree, such as “very,” “too,” “quite,” and “almost,” show how much or to what extent something happens or exists. They clarify meaning in both speech and writing. At Vedantu, we help students use these adverbs correctly, improve their grammar for exams, and boost English confidence for daily life.
FAQs on Adverbs of Degree – Definition, Examples, Rules & List
1. What is an adverb of degree?
An adverb of degree modifies an adjective or another adverb to show the intensity or extent of a quality or action. It answers questions like "How much?" or "To what extent?" For example, in "She is very happy," "very" is an adverb of degree modifying the adjective "happy."
2. Give five examples of adverbs of degree.
Five common adverbs of degree are: very, quite, extremely, too, and so. These words modify adjectives or adverbs to show how much or to what extent something is true.
3. What is the difference between adverbs of degree and adverbs of manner?
Adverbs of degree describe the intensity (how much) of an adjective or adverb (e.g., "very happy," "extremely quickly"). Adverbs of manner describe how an action is performed (e.g., "He ran quickly," "She sang beautifully"). The key difference is that adverbs of degree modify other words describing qualities or actions, while adverbs of manner directly modify verbs.
4. How do you use adverbs of degree in a sentence?
Adverbs of degree usually go before the word they modify (adjective or adverb). For example: "The cake is very sweet." Exceptions exist; some adverbs of degree, like "enough," follow the modified word.
5. Is "quite" an adverb of degree?
Yes, "quite" is an adverb of degree. It indicates a moderate or fairly significant degree of a quality or action.
6. Where are adverbs of degree placed in English sentences?
Generally, adverbs of degree are placed before the adjective or adverb they modify. However, some, like "enough," follow the modified word. For example: "The task is quite difficult." and "The room is big enough."
7. Can an adverb of degree modify both verbs and adjectives at the same time?
No, an adverb of degree cannot directly modify a verb. It modifies adjectives or other adverbs. While a sentence might *seem* to have it modifying a verb, it's actually modifying an implied adjective or adverb related to the verb's action.
8. Are adverbs of degree used differently in formal and informal English?
While the core function remains the same, the *choice* of adverb of degree can reflect formality. More informal settings might use "really" or "super," while formal writing leans towards "very," "quite," or "extremely."
9. What are some common mistakes students make when using adverbs of degree?
Common mistakes include incorrect placement (especially with "enough"), overusing intensifiers, and confusing adverbs of degree with adverbs of manner or frequency. Understanding the differences between these adverb types is key to avoiding errors.
10. Which adverbs of degree cannot be used with comparative adjectives?
Some adverbs of degree, like "too" and "so," don't typically combine with comparative adjectives. For instance, you wouldn't say "The problem is too more difficult."
11. How can teachers effectively test understanding of adverbs of degree?
Effective testing includes using sentence completion exercises, identifying adverbs of degree in context, rewriting sentences with different adverbs to change intensity, and comparing and contrasting with other adverb types. Multiple choice questions assessing understanding of placement and function are also useful.
12. What are negative adverbs of degree and how are they used?
Negative adverbs of degree express the opposite of intensity, such as "hardly," "scarcely," and "barely." They indicate a small or insignificant degree. They are used similarly to positive adverbs of degree, modifying adjectives or adverbs to lessen the intensity of the quality or action.
