When learning a new language, one of the key aspects that can add nuance and depth to your communication is the use of **intensifiers**. Intensifiers are words that amplify the meaning of other words, and when paired with adverbs, they can significantly change the nuance of a sentence. This article will delve into the fascinating world of intensifiers with adverbs, helping you understand how to use them effectively to enhance your English language skills.
What Are Intensifiers?
Intensifiers are words or phrases that modify adjectives or adverbs to increase their intensity. In simpler terms, they make the meaning of the adjective or adverb stronger or more pronounced. Common intensifiers include words like *very*, *extremely*, *absolutely*, *really*, *so*, and *too*. When combined with adverbs, they can add a layer of emphasis or urgency to your statements.
For example, consider the sentence: “She sings beautifully.” Adding an intensifier, it becomes: “She sings *extremely* beautifully.” Notice how the addition of the word “extremely” amplifies the adverb “beautifully,” giving the listener a clearer picture of how well she sings.
Types of Intensifiers
Intensifiers can be broadly categorized into two types: **amplifiers** and **downtoners**. Amplifiers boost the intensity of the adverb, while downtoners reduce it. This article will primarily focus on amplifiers.
Amplifiers
Amplifiers are the most commonly used type of intensifiers. They include words like *very*, *extremely*, *highly*, *absolutely*, *really*, *so*, *too*, and *incredibly*. These words enhance the strength of the adverb they modify.
1. **Very**: This is one of the most common amplifiers. It is often used to increase the intensity of an adverb.
– Example: “He runs *very* quickly.”
2. **Extremely**: This word is stronger than “very” and adds a higher level of intensity.
– Example: “She was *extremely* happy.”
3. **Really**: This is another common amplifier that adds a significant degree of emphasis.
– Example: “He was *really* tired.”
4. **So**: This word is often used in conversational English to add emphasis.
– Example: “She sings *so* beautifully.”
5. **Too**: This word can add a sense of excessiveness to the adverb.
– Example: “He was *too* eager.”
Downtoners
While downtoners are not the primary focus of this article, it’s essential to mention them briefly. Downtoners reduce the intensity of the adverb and include words like *slightly*, *somewhat*, *fairly*, *rather*, and *a bit*.
1. **Slightly**: This word reduces the intensity of the adverb.
– Example: “He runs *slightly* quickly.”
2. **Somewhat**: This word adds a moderate level of reduction.
– Example: “She was *somewhat* happy.”
Rules for Using Intensifiers with Adverbs
While using intensifiers might seem straightforward, there are some rules and guidelines to follow to ensure that your sentences sound natural and grammatically correct.
1. Placement of Intensifiers
Intensifiers are usually placed directly before the adverb they modify. This placement ensures that the emphasis is clear and unambiguous.
– Correct: “She sings *extremely* beautifully.”
– Incorrect: “She *extremely* sings beautifully.”
2. Avoiding Overuse
While intensifiers can add emphasis, overusing them can make your speech or writing seem exaggerated or unnatural. It’s essential to use them judiciously to maintain a balance.
– Natural: “He was *very* tired after the long journey.”
– Overused: “He was *very* extremely incredibly tired after the long journey.”
3. Matching Intensifiers with Adverbs
Not all intensifiers can be used with all adverbs. Some intensifiers are more suited to specific types of adverbs. For example, “absolutely” is often used with adverbs that denote a complete state or condition.
– Correct: “She was *absolutely* thrilled.”
– Incorrect: “She was *absolutely* quickly.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Language learners often make mistakes when using intensifiers with adverbs. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
1. Redundancy
Using multiple intensifiers together can create redundancy and make the sentence sound awkward.
– Redundant: “She was *very* extremely happy.”
– Correct: “She was *extremely* happy.”
2. Incorrect Pairing
Pairing the wrong intensifier with an adverb can lead to confusion or a sentence that doesn’t make sense.
– Incorrect: “He was *absolutely* quickly.”
– Correct: “He was *absolutely* certain.”
3. Misplacement
Placing the intensifier in the wrong part of the sentence can change the meaning or make the sentence grammatically incorrect.
– Incorrect: “She *really* sings beautifully.”
– Correct: “She sings *really* beautifully.”
Examples of Intensifiers with Adverbs in Context
To give you a better understanding of how intensifiers can be used with adverbs, let’s look at some examples in context.
1. **Very**
– Sentence: “He works *very* diligently.”
– Context: Here, “very” amplifies “diligently,” indicating that he puts a lot of effort into his work.
2. **Extremely**
– Sentence: “She was *extremely* disappointed.”
– Context: “Extremely” heightens the level of disappointment she felt.
3. **Really**
– Sentence: “He was *really* excited about the trip.”
– Context: “Really” adds a significant degree of excitement.
4. **So**
– Sentence: “They danced *so* gracefully.”
– Context: “So” emphasizes the gracefulness of their dancing.
5. **Too**
– Sentence: “She was *too* tired to continue.”
– Context: “Too” suggests that her tiredness was excessive, preventing her from continuing.
Exercises to Practice Intensifiers with Adverbs
To master the use of intensifiers with adverbs, practice is essential. Here are some exercises to help you practice:
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the sentences by adding an appropriate intensifier.
1. He runs __________ quickly.
2. She was __________ disappointed.
3. They worked __________ hard.
4. The movie was __________ good.
5. He was __________ eager to start.
Exercise 2: Correct the Mistakes
Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences.
1. She was very extremely happy.
2. He was absolutely quickly.
3. They worked so very hard.
4. The game was too really exciting.
5. He is absolutely very certain.
Exercise 3: Create Your Sentences
Write your sentences using the following intensifiers with adverbs:
1. Very
2. Extremely
3. Really
4. So
5. Too
Conclusion
Intensifiers with adverbs are a powerful tool in the English language, adding depth and emphasis to your communication. By understanding the different types of intensifiers, their placement, and common mistakes to avoid, you can use them effectively to enhance your language skills. Practice regularly with the provided exercises, and soon you will find yourself using intensifiers with adverbs naturally and confidently. Happy learning!
