Adverb of degree
Definition
An adverb of degree shows how strong, complete or limited something is. It can modify an adjective, another adverb, a verb or a quantity: very cold, almost completely, strongly disagree, far too much.
Examples
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The water is extremely cold.
Extremely increases the strength of the adjective cold.
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We have almost finished.
Almost shows that the action is close to complete but not complete.
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Her answer was completely wrong.
Completely presents the description as total.
Degree vs. frequency
The train is usually late.
Usually tells how often the train is late.
The train is very late.
Very tells how late the train is.
Frequency answers how often. Degree answers how much, how strongly or to what extent.
Different degree words follow different patterns
Degree adverbs are not freely interchangeable. Some combine naturally with gradable adjectives, some with extreme adjectives, and some occupy a fixed position.
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The room is warm enough.
Enough comes after the adjective it modifies.
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The test was absolutely impossible.
Absolutely combines naturally with the extreme adjective impossible.
Common mistakes
The exercise is much difficult.
The exercise is very difficult.
Use very before an adjective such as difficult. Much does not normally modify a positive-form adjective.
The soup is enough hot.
The soup is hot enough.
Enough follows the adjective it modifies.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence uses enough in the correct position?
When enough modifies an adjective, it comes after it: quiet enough.Which word expresses degree rather than frequency?
Almost shows how close the task is to completion. The other words show frequency.Which sentence is correct?
Completely is an adverb and naturally appears before unexpected.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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