Adverbs of Degree: Mastering Intensifiers and Mitigators

Understanding adverbs of degree is crucial for adding precision and nuance to your English. These adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, indicating the intensity or degree to which something is true. Whether you’re aiming for subtle understatement or powerful emphasis, mastering adverbs of degree will significantly enhance your communication skills. This guide is designed for English learners of all levels, from beginners seeking a foundational understanding to advanced speakers refining their expressive abilities. By exploring definitions, structures, types, examples, usage rules, and common mistakes, you’ll gain the confidence to use adverbs of degree effectively in both spoken and written English.

Table of Contents

• Definition of Adverbs of Degree
• Structural Breakdown
• Types of Adverbs of Degree
  • Intensifiers
  • Mitigators
• Examples of Adverbs of Degree
  • Intensifiers
  • Mitigators
  • Adverb Placement
• Usage Rules
• Common Mistakes
• Practice Exercises
  • Exercise 1: Identifying Adverbs of Degree
  • Exercise 2: Using Intensifiers
  • Exercise 3: Using Mitigators
  • Exercise 4: Correcting Sentences
• Advanced Topics
• FAQ
• Conclusion

Definition of Adverbs of Degree

An adverb of degree is a type of adverb that modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate the intensity or extent to which something happens or is true. They answer the question “to what extent?” or “how much?” These adverbs provide crucial information about the level or degree of an action, quality, or manner. Understanding and using adverbs of degree correctly allows for more precise and nuanced communication, enabling speakers and writers to express varying levels of certainty, enthusiasm, or qualification.

Adverbs of degree can be broadly classified based on their function: some intensify the meaning of the word they modify (intensifiers), while others soften or weaken the meaning (mitigators). This distinction is important because choosing the right adverb of degree can dramatically alter the impact of a sentence. The context in which an adverb of degree is used also plays a significant role in determining its meaning and effect. For instance, the adverb “quite” can act as an intensifier in some contexts (“She is quite intelligent”) and as a mitigator in others (“I am quite tired”).

Structural Breakdown

The structure involving adverbs of degree is relatively straightforward. Typically, the adverb is placed before the adjective, adverb, or verb it modifies. However, there are exceptions and variations depending on the specific adverb and the context of the sentence. Here’s a general overview of the structural patterns:

• Adverb + Adjective: “The movie was very interesting.”
• Adverb + Adverb: “He ran incredibly quickly.”
• Adverb + Verb: “I almost forgot my keys.”

The precise placement can affect the emphasis of the sentence. For example, placing an adverb of degree at the beginning of a sentence can add extra emphasis: “Completely exhausted, I fell asleep.”. It is also important to note that some adverbs of degree, such as “enough,” typically follow the word they modify: “Is the water warm enough?”. Understanding these structural nuances is essential for using adverbs of degree effectively and avoiding awkward or incorrect phrasing.

Types of Adverbs of Degree

Adverbs of degree can be broadly categorized into two main types: intensifiers and mitigators. Intensifiers increase the intensity of the word they modify, while mitigators decrease it. Understanding the difference between these two types is crucial for conveying the intended level of emphasis or qualification.

Intensifiers

Intensifiers are adverbs of degree that strengthen or emphasize the meaning of the word they modify. They indicate a high degree or level of something. Common intensifiers include: very, extremely, incredibly, really, totally, completely, absolutely, utterly, exceptionally, remarkably, extraordinarily. Using intensifiers effectively can add impact and emphasis to your writing and speech.

For instance, saying “The food was very delicious” conveys a stronger positive sentiment than simply saying “The food was delicious“. The choice of intensifier also matters; “The food was utterly delicious” suggests an even higher level of enjoyment than “The food was very delicious“. The appropriate intensifier depends on the context and the desired level of emphasis.

Mitigators

Mitigators (also known as hedging adverbs) are adverbs of degree that weaken or soften the meaning of the word they modify. They indicate a low or moderate degree of something. Common mitigators include: somewhat, quite, rather, a little, slightly, barely, hardly, scarcely, partially, moderately. Mitigators are useful for expressing uncertainty, politeness, or qualification.

For example, saying “I am slightly worried” expresses a lower level of concern than saying “I am very worried“. Mitigators are particularly useful in professional or academic contexts where it’s often desirable to avoid making overly strong or definitive statements. Using mitigators appropriately can help you convey a sense of objectivity and nuance.

Examples of Adverbs of Degree

To fully grasp the usage of adverbs of degree, it’s helpful to examine numerous examples across different contexts. These examples will illustrate how intensifiers and mitigators function and how their placement can affect the meaning of a sentence. The following tables provide a wide range of examples, categorized by type of adverb and placement.

Intensifiers

The following table presents examples of sentences using intensifiers. Each row demonstrates how an intensifier modifies an adjective, adverb, or verb to increase its intensity.

Sentence	Intensifier	Modified Word
The movie was very exciting.	very	exciting (adjective)
She sings incredibly well.	incredibly	well (adverb)
I absolutely love chocolate.	absolutely	love (verb)
The test was extremely difficult.	extremely	difficult (adjective)
He ran remarkably fast.	remarkably	fast (adverb)
They are completely satisfied with the service.	completely	satisfied (adjective)
The weather is utterly dreadful.	utterly	dreadful (adjective)
She is exceptionally talented.	exceptionally	talented (adjective)
The project was totally successful.	totally	successful (adjective)
He is extraordinarily kind.	extraordinarily	kind (adjective)
The performance was really captivating.	really	captivating (adjective)
She dances incredibly gracefully.	incredibly	gracefully (adverb)
I totally agree with you.	totally	agree (verb)
The situation is extremely complex.	extremely	complex (adjective)
He speaks French remarkably fluently.	remarkably	fluently (adverb)
They are completely devoted to their work.	completely	devoted (adjective)
The story was utterly unbelievable.	utterly	unbelievable (adjective)
She is exceptionally skilled at playing the piano.	exceptionally	skilled (adjective)
The plan was totally unrealistic.	totally	unrealistic (adjective)
He is extraordinarily gifted in mathematics.	extraordinarily	gifted (adjective)
The food was absolutely delicious.	absolutely	delicious (adjective)
She performed incredibly well under pressure.	incredibly	well (adverb)
I absolutely need to finish this project today.	absolutely	need (verb)
The problem is extremely difficult to solve.	extremely	difficult (adjective)
He drives remarkably safely.	remarkably	safely (adverb)
They are completely aware of the risks involved.	completely	aware (adjective)
The movie was utterly captivating from start to finish.	utterly	captivating (adjective)
She is exceptionally knowledgeable about the subject.	exceptionally	knowledgeable (adjective)
The results were totally unexpected.	totally	unexpected (adjective)
He is extraordinarily patient with his students.	extraordinarily	patient (adjective)

Mitigators

The following table showcases examples of sentences using mitigators. Each row demonstrates how a mitigator softens the meaning of an adjective, adverb, or verb.

Sentence	Mitigator	Modified Word
I am somewhat tired.	somewhat	tired (adjective)
She sings quite well.	quite	well (adverb)
I slightly disagree with you.	slightly	disagree (verb)
The task was rather challenging.	rather	challenging (adjective)
He barely noticed the change.	barely	noticed (verb)
The room was a little messy.	a little	messy (adjective)
She spoke moderately clearly.	moderately	clearly (adverb)
I am partially convinced.	partially	convinced (adjective)
He scarcely remembers the incident.	scarcely	remembers (verb)
The food was slightly bland.	slightly	bland (adjective)
I am somewhat concerned about the situation.	somewhat	concerned (adjective)
She dances quite gracefully.	quite	gracefully (adverb)
I slightly prefer the blue one.	slightly	prefer (verb)
The weather is rather unpredictable.	rather	unpredictable (adjective)
He barely managed to finish on time.	barely	managed (verb)
The coffee was a little too strong.	a little	strong (adjective)
She explained it moderately well.	moderately	well (adverb)
I am partially in agreement with your proposal.	partially	agreement (noun)
He scarcely believes the news.	scarcely	believes (verb)
The question was slightly confusing.	slightly	confusing (adjective)
I’m somewhat familiar with the topic.	somewhat	familiar (adjective)
She sings quite beautifully.	quite	beautifully (adverb)
I slightly misunderstood the instructions.	slightly	misunderstood (verb)
The challenge was rather difficult to overcome.	rather	difficult (adjective)
He barely survived the accident.	barely	survived (verb)
The soup was a little too salty.	a little	salty (adjective)
She spoke moderately loudly.	moderately	loudly (adverb)
I am partially responsible for the mistake.	partially	responsible (adjective)
He scarcely speaks to anyone these days.	scarcely	speaks (verb)
The answer was slightly incorrect.	slightly	incorrect (adjective)

Adverb Placement

The placement of an adverb of degree can sometimes subtly alter the meaning or emphasis of a sentence. While the standard position is usually before the word it modifies, variations can occur, especially with adverbs that modify verbs. Here are examples illustrating different placement options:

Sentence	Adverb of Degree	Placement
I almost missed the bus.	almost	Before the verb
I missed almost all of the movie.	almost	Before the noun it modifies (partitive use)
She is really good at tennis.	really	Before the adjective
She really enjoys playing tennis.	really	Before the verb
Is the tea hot enough?	enough	After the adjective
Do you have enough money?	enough	Before the noun
He hardly ever smiles.	hardly	Before the adverb “ever”
He ever hardly smiles. (Less common, but possible for emphasis)	hardly	Inverted placement for emphasis
They are completely aware of the situation.	completely	Before the adjective
Completely, they are aware of the situation. (Less common, emphatic)	completely	Beginning of the sentence for emphasis
I am somewhat confused by the instructions.	somewhat	Before the adjective
Somewhat confused, I proceeded with caution.	somewhat	Beginning of the sentence modifying the speaker
The project is nearly complete.	nearly	Before the adjective
Nearly all of the participants agreed.	nearly	Before the noun it modifies (partitive use)
She is quite intelligent.	quite	Before the adjective (intensifier)
I am quite tired.	quite	Before the adjective (mitigator)
He scarcely visits his family.	scarcely	Before the verb
Scarcely had I arrived when the phone rang.	scarcely	Beginning of the sentence (inversion for emphasis)
The water was slightly cold.	slightly	Before the adjective
She slightly adjusted the settings.	slightly	Before the verb
I totally forgot about the meeting.	totally	Before the verb
The experience was totally unforgettable.	totally	Before the adjective
He is exceptionally talented in music.	exceptionally	Before the adjective
She sings exceptionally well.	exceptionally	Before the adverb
They are utterly exhausted after the hike.	utterly	Before the adjective
The plan failed utterly.	utterly	After the verb (less common, for emphasis)
The cake was extraordinarily delicious.	extraordinarily	Before the adjective
He played the piano extraordinarily.	extraordinarily	Before the adverb
She is absolutely certain about her decision.	absolutely	Before the adjective

Usage Rules

Using adverbs of degree correctly involves understanding a few key rules regarding placement, compatibility with different types of words, and avoiding redundancy. Here’s a breakdown of the most important usage rules:

1. Placement: As mentioned earlier, adverbs of degree generally precede the adjective, adverb, or verb they modify. However, adverbs like “enough” follow the word they modify: “Is the room warm enough?”.
2. Compatibility: Certain adverbs of degree are more commonly used with certain types of words. For example, “utterly” is often used with negative adjectives like “utterly ridiculous” or “utterly hopeless.” “Deeply” is often used with feelings such as “deeply saddened” or “deeply grateful.”
3. Avoiding Redundancy: Be careful not to use adverbs of degree in a way that creates redundancy. For instance, saying “very unique” is incorrect because “unique” already implies a high degree of singularity. Similarly, “completely full” is redundant because “full” implies a state of completion.
4. Formal vs. Informal Usage: Be aware of the register of different adverbs of degree. Some intensifiers, like “really” or “totally,” are more common in informal speech, while others, like “exceptionally” or “remarkably,” are more suitable for formal writing.
5. Using ‘Too’: The adverb “too” indicates an excess of something. It is typically followed by an adjective and can be followed by “to + infinitive” to indicate a consequence: “The coffee is too hot to drink.”
6. Using ‘Enough’: The adverb “enough” indicates sufficiency. It follows the adjective or adverb it modifies and can be followed by “to + infinitive” to indicate a purpose: “The explanation was clear enough to understand.”

Common Mistakes

Even experienced English learners can make mistakes when using adverbs of degree. Here are some common errors to watch out for:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
Very unique	Unique	“Unique” already means one-of-a-kind; adding “very” is redundant.
Completely full	Full	“Full” implies a state of completion; adding “completely” is redundant.
Enough warm	Warm enough	“Enough” should follow the adjective it modifies.
Too delicious	Very delicious	“Too” implies an excess, which doesn’t fit in this context.
I am very agree	I strongly agree / I agree very much	“Agree” isn’t usually modified directly by “very.” Use “strongly” or “very much” instead.
Slightly good	Slightly better	“Slightly” is better used with comparative adjectives.
Rather good (when meaning very good)	Very good	“Rather” usually mitigates, not intensifies, unless the context implies otherwise.
Extremely important than	Extremely more important than	When comparing, “more” should be included with “important.”

Practice Exercises

The following exercises will help you practice using adverbs of degree correctly. Each exercise focuses on a different aspect of adverbs of degree, from identifying them in sentences to using them to modify words effectively.

Exercise 1: Identifying Adverbs of Degree

Instructions: Identify the adverb of degree in each sentence and state whether it is an intensifier or a mitigator.

Question	Answer
1. The coffee is extremely hot.	extremely (intensifier)
2. I am somewhat tired.	somewhat (mitigator)
3. She sings incredibly well.	incredibly (intensifier)
4. He barely touched his food.	barely (mitigator)
5. The movie was utterly ridiculous.	utterly (intensifier)
6. I slightly disagree with your opinion.	slightly (mitigator)
7. The task was exceptionally challenging.	exceptionally (intensifier)
8. She is quite talented.	quite (can be either intensifier or mitigator depending on context)
9. He is remarkably fast.	remarkably (intensifier)
10. The soup was a little salty.	a little (mitigator)

Exercise 2: Using Intensifiers

Instructions: Fill in the blank with an appropriate intensifier from the list: very, extremely, incredibly, absolutely, totally.

Question	Answer
1. The weather is ______ beautiful today.	extremely
2. I ______ enjoyed the concert.	absolutely
3. He is ______ talented at playing the guitar.	incredibly
4. The movie was ______ boring.	totally
5. She is ______ kind and helpful.	very
6. The situation is ______ complex.	extremely
7. I am ______ certain about my answer.	absolutely
8. The food was ______ delicious.	incredibly
9. He was ______ exhausted after the marathon.	totally
10. The view from the top of the mountain was ______ breathtaking.	very

Exercise 3: Using Mitigators

Instructions: Fill in the blank with an appropriate mitigator from the list: somewhat, quite, slightly, rather, a little.

Question	Answer
1. I am ______ concerned about the results.	somewhat
2. She is ______ good at singing.	quite
3. I ______ disagree with your viewpoint.	slightly
4. The task was ______ difficult.	rather
5. The room is ______ cold.	a little
6. I am ______ familiar with the topic.	somewhat
7. He is ______ skilled in this area.	quite
8. I ______ misunderstood the instructions.	slightly
9. The challenge was ______ complex.	rather
10. The soup is ______ bland.	a little

Exercise 4: Correcting Sentences

Instructions: Correct the sentences that use adverbs of degree incorrectly.

Question	Answer
1. The experience was very unique.	The experience was unique.
2. Is the water enough warm?	Is the water warm enough?
3. I am very agree with you.	I strongly agree with you. / I agree very much.
4. The room was completely full of people.	The room was full of people.
5. She is too good at playing the piano.	She is very good at playing the piano.
6. The problem is extremely impossible to solve.	The problem is impossible to solve./ The problem is extremely difficult to solve.
7. I am rather happy to see you (when meaning very happy).	I am very happy to see you./ I am rather pleased to see you.
8. He is slightly better than me.	Correct
9. The movie was totally excellent.	The movie was excellent/ The movie was totally captivating.
10. I am quite agree with you.	I quite agree with you. / I somewhat agree with you.

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, there are several more nuanced aspects of adverbs of degree to explore. These include:

• Subtleties of ‘Quite’: The adverb “quite” can be tricky because it can function as both an intensifier and a mitigator. Its meaning depends heavily on context and intonation. For example, “quite good” can mean “moderately good” in British English but “very good” in American English.
• Collocations: Pay attention to common collocations (words that frequently appear together) with adverbs of degree. For instance, “deeply concerned,” “highly successful,” and “bitterly disappointed” are all common and idiomatic phrases.
• Emphasis and Word Order: Varying the word order can create different levels of emphasis. For example, placing an adverb of degree at the beginning of a sentence can draw attention to it: “Utterly exhausted, I collapsed on the couch.”
• Using Adverbs of Degree in Comparisons: Adverbs of degree can be used to modify comparative adjectives and adverbs, adding another layer of precision to comparisons: “She is much taller than her brother.”, “He runs significantly faster than I do.”

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about adverbs of degree:

1. What is the difference between an intensifier and a mitigator?

   An intensifier increases the strength or intensity of the word it modifies, while a mitigator weakens or softens the meaning. Intensifiers add emphasis, whereas mitigators create a sense of qualification or uncertainty.

2. Where should I place adverbs of degree in a sentence?

   Generally, adverbs of degree are placed before the adjective, adverb, or verb they modify. However, there are exceptions, such as “enough,” which typically follows the word it modifies. Be mindful of word order to ensure clarity and avoid awkward phrasing.

3. Can I use multiple adverbs of degree in one sentence?

   While it’s grammatically possible, using multiple adverbs of degree in a single sentence can often sound awkward or redundant. It’s usually best to choose the single most appropriate adverb to convey your intended meaning. For example, instead of saying “very extremely happy,” you could simply say “extremely happy” or “ecstatic.”

4. How can I avoid redundancy when using adverbs of degree?

   Be careful not to use adverbs of degree with words that already imply a high degree of something. For example, “unique” means one-of-a-kind, so saying “very unique” is redundant. Similarly, “full” implies a state of completion, so “completely full” is also redundant. Choose your words carefully to avoid unnecessary repetition.

5. Is it okay to use adverbs of degree in formal writing?

   Yes, but be mindful of the register of different adverbs. Some intensifiers, like “really” or “totally,” are more common in informal speech, while others, like “exceptionally” or “remarkably,” are more suitable for formal writing. Choose adverbs that align with the tone and style of your writing.

6. How does context affect the meaning of adverbs of degree?

   Context plays a crucial role in determining the meaning and effect of adverbs of degree. For example, the adverb “quite” can act as an intensifier in some contexts and as a mitigator in others. Pay attention to the surrounding words and the overall tone of the sentence to interpret the meaning of adverbs of degree accurately.

7. What are some common mistakes to avoid when using adverbs of degree?

   Some common mistakes include using adverbs of degree redundantly (e.g., “very unique”), misplacing adverbs (e.g., “enough warm”), and using the wrong adverb for the intended meaning (e.g., “too delicious” when you mean “very delicious”). Review the common mistakes section of this guide for more examples.

8. How can I improve my usage of adverbs of degree?

   The best way to improve your usage of ad
   verbs of degree is to practice regularly. Pay attention to how native English speakers use them in speech and writing. Read widely and notice the different contexts in which various adverbs of degree are used. Try incorporating new adverbs of degree into your own writing and speaking, and ask for feedback from teachers or language partners.

Conclusion

Adverbs of degree are essential tools for expressing nuanced meanings and adding precision to your English. By understanding the different types of adverbs of degree, their structural patterns, and their usage rules, you can significantly enhance your communication skills. Whether you’re aiming to intensify the impact of your message or soften your tone, mastering adverbs of degree will allow you to convey your thoughts and feelings with greater accuracy and effectiveness. Continue to practice and explore the subtleties of these adverbs, and you’ll find yourself becoming a more confident and articulate English speaker and writer.