When learning English, one of the many tools you will encounter are adverbs. Adverbs, in general, are words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, providing more information about how, when, where, or to what extent something happens. Among the various types of adverbs, *intensifying adverbs* play a significant role in adding emphasis and strength to the words they modify. Understanding and using these intensifying adverbs can greatly enhance your fluency and expressiveness in English.
What Are Intensifying Adverbs?
Intensifying adverbs are a specific group of adverbs used to amplify the meaning of the adjectives, verbs, or other adverbs they modify. These adverbs provide emphasis, making the expression more forceful or dramatic. For example, in the sentence “She is very happy,” the adverb “very” intensifies the adjective “happy,” indicating a higher degree of happiness.
Some common intensifying adverbs include:
– Very
– Extremely
– Absolutely
– Completely
– Totally
– Highly
– Really
– Quite
– Too
Categories of Intensifying Adverbs
Intensifying adverbs can be broadly divided into two categories: *amplifiers* and *downtoners*.
Amplifiers
Amplifiers are intensifying adverbs that increase the intensity or degree of the word they modify. They make the meaning stronger and more forceful. Examples of amplifiers include:
– Very: “She is very intelligent.”
– Extremely: “He was extremely tired after the long journey.”
– Absolutely: “This is absolutely fantastic!”
– Completely: “I am completely satisfied with your work.”
Downtoners
Downtoners, on the other hand, decrease the intensity or degree of the word they modify. They make the meaning less strong or more moderate. Examples of downtoners include:
– Quite: “The movie was quite interesting.”
– Rather: “It is rather cold today.”
– Somewhat: “I am somewhat disappointed by the results.”
– Fairly: “She is fairly confident about her presentation.”
Using Intensifying Adverbs Correctly
Understanding the nuances of intensifying adverbs is crucial for their correct usage. Here are some tips and guidelines:
1. Match the Intensity Appropriately
Choose the right intensifying adverb based on the level of emphasis you want to convey. For example, “very” is a common intensifier that adds moderate emphasis, while “extremely” adds a stronger emphasis. Compare:
– “She is very happy.” (moderate emphasis)
– “She is extremely happy.” (strong emphasis)
2. Be Mindful of Collocations
Certain intensifying adverbs naturally pair with specific adjectives, forming common collocations. For example:
– “Absolutely” often pairs with adjectives like “right,” “wrong,” “certain,” “necessary.”
– “You are absolutely right.”
– “It is absolutely necessary to follow the rules.”
– “Totally” often pairs with adjectives like “different,” “wrong,” “inappropriate.”
– “Your answer is totally different from mine.”
– “That behavior is totally inappropriate.”
3. Avoid Overusing Intensifiers
While intensifying adverbs can add expressiveness to your language, overusing them can make your speech or writing sound exaggerated or less credible. Instead of relying heavily on intensifiers, try to use more precise language to convey your meaning.
4. Use in Varied Contexts
Intensifying adverbs can be used in different contexts, including formal and informal settings. However, some intensifiers are more suitable for informal contexts (e.g., “really,” “totally”), while others are appropriate for both formal and informal contexts (e.g., “absolutely,” “completely”).
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even advanced learners can make mistakes when using intensifying adverbs. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
1. Mixing Up Amplifiers and Downtoners
Be careful not to use an amplifier when you mean to use a downtoner, or vice versa. Mixing them up can lead to confusion or incorrect emphasis. For example:
– Incorrect: “The food was extremely good.” (if you mean it was just moderately good)
– Correct: “The food was quite good.”
2. Using Intensifiers with Incompatible Adjectives
Some adjectives do not pair well with certain intensifiers because their meanings are inherently absolute or extreme. For example:
– Incorrect: “She is very unique.” (since “unique” means one of a kind, it cannot be intensified)
– Correct: “She is truly unique.”
3. Redundancy
Avoid using multiple intensifiers together, as this can make your sentence redundant and awkward. For example:
– Incorrect: “She is very extremely happy.”
– Correct: “She is extremely happy.”
Examples and Exercises
To help solidify your understanding of intensifying adverbs, here are some examples and exercises:
Example Sentences
1. “The view from the mountain was absolutely breathtaking.”
2. “I am completely convinced that we made the right decision.”
3. “The weather today is quite pleasant.”
4. “He was extremely disappointed by the news.”
5. “The instructions were fairly straightforward.”
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Choose the correct intensifying adverb to complete each sentence:
1. The cake was ______ delicious.
2. She was ______ tired after the long hike.
3. The movie was ______ boring.
4. He is ______ confident about his presentation.
5. The solution to the problem was ______ simple.
Exercise 2: Rewrite the Sentences
Rewrite each sentence to include an appropriate intensifying adverb:
1. The painting is beautiful.
2. The test was difficult.
3. She feels happy about the results.
4. The noise outside is loud.
5. His explanation was clear.
Conclusion
Intensifying adverbs are essential tools for adding emphasis and nuance to your English language skills. By understanding the different types of intensifying adverbs, matching their intensity appropriately, and avoiding common mistakes, you can enhance your expressiveness and precision in both spoken and written English. Practice using these adverbs in various contexts to become more comfortable and confident in your language abilities.
Remember, the key to mastering intensifying adverbs is to use them thoughtfully and sparingly, ensuring that they add the right amount of emphasis without overwhelming your message. Happy learning!
