- Adverbs of degree describe the intensity, extent, or level of an action, adjective, or another adverb.
- Common examples include very, too, quite, almost, extremely, and completely.
- They are typically placed before adjectives and adverbs or before the main verb.
- There are three types of adverbs of degree: strengthening, diminishing, and limiting.
Adverbs of degree allow us to convey intensity and extent within a sentence. They clarify whether something is fully completed, nearly finished, or somewhat challenging, enhancing the precision and descriptiveness of our communication. This guide will examine the various types, their usage, and their placement.
What are adverbs of degree?
Adverbs of degree modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate how much or to what extent something happens. They answer the question, “To what degree?”
Types of adverbs of degree
Intensifying adverbs (increase intensity or emphasis)
Examples: absolutely, completely, extremely, highly, totally
Example sentence: She was completely shocked by the news.
Diminishing adverbs (reduce intensity or weaken the meaning)
Examples: slightly, somewhat, barely, hardly
Example sentence: The weather was slightly chilly in the morning.
Limiting adverbs (restrict or specify extent)
Examples: only, just, almost, nearly, hardly
Example sentence: She almost missed the bus.
Common adverbs of degree and their usage
| Adverb of Degree | Meaning | Example Sentence |
| Very | Intensely | She is very excited about the trip. |
| Too | Excessively (negative) | This soup is too hot to eat. |
| Quite | Moderately or completely | The book was quite interesting. |
| Almost | Nearly but not completely | She is almost done with her work. |
| Completely | Totally, 100% | The room was completely silent. |
| Absolutely | With a strong emphasis | I am absolutely sure. |
| Barely | Hardly at all | He barely noticed the mistake. |
| Extremely | Very intensely | It was extremely cold outside. |
| Just | Precisely | The water temperature was just right. |
| Hardly | Almost not at all | He could hardly hear the speaker. |
| Slightly | To a small extent | The weather is slightly warmer today. |
| Somewhat | A little bit | She felt somewhat tired. |
| Entirely | Fully, completely | I entirely agree with you. |
| Utterly | Completely (often negative) | The plan was utterly useless. |
Using very to make an adverb stronger
The adverb very is commonly used to intensify another adverb, making it stronger and more emphatic.
Placement of very
Very is placed before the adverb it modifies.
Example: She sings very beautifully.
Example: He works very quickly.
Common adverbs that can be strengthened with very
Not all adverbs can be intensified with very. It is usually used with adverbs of manner, degree, or certainty but not with absolute adverbs (e.g., completely, utterly, absolutely).
Here are some common adverbs that pair with very:
| Adverb | Example Sentence With Very |
| Slowly | She walked very slowly after her injury. |
| Quickly | They finished their work very quickly. |
| Well | He plays the piano very well. |
| Easily | She solved the puzzle very easily. |
| Badly | He wanted the job very badly. |
| Carefully | She wrote the letter very carefully. |
| Clearly | The teacher explained the topic very clearly. |
Placement of adverbs of degree in sentences
Before an adjective or another adverb
Adverbs of degree are placed before the adjective or adverb they modify.
Example: He is very talented.
Example: She speaks extremely fast.
Between the subject and verb
When modifying a verb, adverbs of degree typically come between the subject and verb.
Example: I completely understand your point.
Example: She barely passed the exam.
After the verb to be
When using the verb to be, the adverb of degree comes after the verb.
Example: He is absolutely certain about his decision.
Example: They were quite exhausted after the trip.
