An adverb of degree is a word that modifies or describes the intensity or extent of an action, adjective, or another adverb. These adverbs help to clarify how much or to what extent something happens, allowing us to express actions with more precision. Whether you’re looking for an adverb of degree example like “extremely happy” or “slightly annoyed,” these words can significantly enhance your communication skills. In this blog, we’ll explore a list of adverbs of degree, their usage in sentences, and how mastering them can elevate your spoken English. If you’re eager to improve your English language skills, you can learn English online, where understanding the adverbs of degree will help you speak more confidently and accurately.
What is an Adverb of Degree?
An adverb of degree is a type of adverb that modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb to indicate the intensity or extent of an action, quality, or condition. These adverbs provide more specific information about “how much” or “to what extent” something happens or is described. For instance, in the sentence “She is extremely happy,” the adverb extremely modifies the adjective happy, emphasizing a high level of happiness. Another example, “He runs very quickly,” shows how the adverb very intensifies the adverb quickly, indicating a higher speed. Adverbs of degree can express varying levels, from slightly (a small degree) to completely (a full extent). These adverbs help to convey nuances in meaning, allowing for more precise and vivid communication.
Common Adverbs of Degree You Should Know
Here’s a list of adverbs of degree with their uses and examples:
1. Very
Use: Used to emphasize a high degree or extent of something.
“Very” का इस्तेमाल किसी चीज़ की उच्च डिग्री को दिखाने के लिए किया जाता है।
Example: She is very happy with her new job.
2. Extremely
Use: Used to show a stronger degree than “very.” It emphasizes intensity.
“Extremely” का इस्तेमाल ज़्यादा degree या intensity को दिखाने के लिए किया जाता है।
Example: The weather today is extremely hot.
3. Quite
Use: Used to show a moderate degree of something, less intense than “very.”
“Quite” का इस्तेमाल किसी चीज़ की मध्यम degree को दिखाने के लिए किया जाता है।
Example: He is quite good at playing the guitar.
4. Slightly
Use: Refers to a very small degree of something, not significant.
“Slightly” का इस्तेमाल किसी चीज़ की बहुत छोटी degree को दिखाने के लिए किया जाता है।
Example: The tea is slightly bitter.
5. Totally
Use: Indicates complete or absolute extent, showing something in total.
“Totally” का इस्तेमाल पूर्ण या पूरी degree को दिखाने के लिए किया जाता है।
Example: I am totally confused about the directions.
6. Completely
Use: Similar to “totally,” used to emphasize the entire extent of something.
“Completely” का इस्तेमाल किसी चीज़ की पूरी degree या पूर्णता को दिखाने के लिए किया जाता है।
Example: She has completely recovered from her illness.
7. Hardly
Use: Refers to a very small amount or degree of something, almost none.
“Hardly” का इस्तेमाल किसी चीज़ की बहुत छोटी या लगभग न के बराबर degree को दिखाने के लिए किया जाता है।
Example: I hardly know anyone in this town.
8. Absolutely
Use: Used to emphasize a total or complete state, often with certainty.
“Absolutely” का इस्तेमाल किसी चीज़ की पूरी स्थिति को दिखाने के लिए किया जाता है, विशेष रूप से यकीन के साथ।
Example: The movie was absolutely amazing.
9. Fairly
Use: Indicates a moderate degree, but not as strong as “quite.”
“Fairly” का इस्तेमाल किसी चीज़ की मध्यम degree को दिखाने के लिए किया जाता है, लेकिन “quite” से कम।
Example: She was fairly confident about the result.
10. Really
Use: Similar to “very,” used to express strong emphasis.
“Really” का इस्तेमाल किसी चीज़ की तीव्र degree को दिखाने के लिए किया जाता है।
Example: He is really excited about the trip.
11. Too
Use: Indicates an excessive or undesirable amount.
“Too” का इस्तेमाल किसी चीज़ की बहुत ज़्यादा या बेवजह की degree को दिखाने के लिए किया जाता है।
Example: The soup is too salty for me.
12. Almost
Use: Indicates that something is very close to being fully done or true, but not quite.
“Almost” का इस्तेमाल किसी चीज़ के पूरी तरह होने के बहुत करीब होने को दिखाने के लिए किया जाता है।
Example: She is almost finished with her homework.
13. Rather
Use: Indicates a moderate degree, sometimes with a hint of surprise or contrast.
“Rather” का इस्तेमाल किसी चीज़ की मध्यम degree को दिखाने के लिए किया जाता है, कभी-कभी आश्चर्य या अंतर के साथ।
Example: He is rather talented in painting.
14. Much
Use: Used to indicate a large amount or degree, usually in comparative statements.
“Much” का इस्तेमाल किसी चीज़ की बड़ी degree या मात्रा को दिखाने के लिए किया जाता है, विशेष रूप से तुलना में।
Example: She is much smarter than I thought.
15. Less
Use: Used in comparisons to show a smaller degree or amount of something.
“Less” का इस्तेमाल तुलना में किसी चीज़ की छोटी degree या मात्रा को दिखाने के लिए किया जाता है।
Example: This book is less interesting than the other one.
Rules for Using Adverbs of Degree
Adverbs of degree are used to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to describe the intensity or extent of an action, quality, or condition. To use them correctly, it’s important to follow certain rules that ensure clarity and precision in your sentences.
1. Position in the Sentence
Adverbs of degree generally come before the adjective or adverb they modify but after the verb.
“Adverb of degree” आमतौर पर उस विशेषण या क्रिया से पहले आता है जिसे वह modify करता है, लेकिन क्रिया के बाद आता है।
Example: She is very talented.
2. Use with Comparative and Superlative Adjectives
When adverbs of degree are used with comparative or superlative adjectives, they intensify the comparison.
जब “adverb of degree” comparative या superlative विशेषण के साथ इस्तेमाल किया जाता है, तो यह तुलना की तीव्रता को बढ़ाता है।
Example: She is much smarter than her classmates.
3. Avoid Overuse
Avoid using multiple adverbs of degree in the same sentence, as it can lead to redundancy.
एक ही वाक्य में बहुत सारे “adverb of degree” का इस्तेमाल करने से बचें, क्योंकि यह बेवजह हो सकता है।
Example: She is very extremely excited for the event.
4. Use with “Too” for Negative Intensity
“Too” is used to indicate something excessive or undesirable and usually implies a negative result.
“Too” का इस्तेमाल किसी चीज़ के excessive या undesirable होने को दिखाने के लिए किया जाता है, जो आमतौर पर negative परिणाम दिखाता है।
Example: The coffee is too hot to drink.
5. Use with “Not” for Negative Sentences
When making negative sentences, the adverb of degree is used before “not” to express the intensity of the negation.
Negative वाक्य में “adverb of degree” को “not” से पहले इस्तेमाल किया जाता है, ताकि negativity की intensity को व्यक्त किया जा सके।
Example: He is not very interested in the proposal.
6. Adverbs of Degree with Action Verbs
When used with action verbs, adverbs of degree modify the intensity or manner of the action.
जब action verbs के साथ इस्तेमाल किया जाता है, तो “adverb of degree” क्रिया की तीव्रता या तरीके को modify करता है।
Example: She runs very quickly.
7. Choosing the Right Adverb of Degree
It’s important to choose the right adverb depending on the intensity you want to express. For example, use “slightly” for a small degree, and “completely” for total intensity.
यह ज़रूरी है कि आप उस degree के अनुसार सही “adverb of degree” चुनें जिसे आप व्यक्त करना चाहते हैं।
Example: The book is slightly difficult to understand.
8. Use “Quite” for Moderate Intensity
“Quite” is often used to show a moderate degree or a level that’s above average but not extreme.
“Quite” का इस्तेमाल अक्सर मध्यम तीव्रता या उस स्तर को दिखाने के लिए किया जाता है, जो सामान्य से ज़्यादा हो, लेकिन बहुत ज़्यादा नहीं।
Example: The test was quite challenging.
9. Use with Nouns
Some adverbs of degree, like “much” or “many,” can modify nouns, especially in comparisons.
कुछ “adverb of degree” जैसे “much” या “many” संज्ञाओं को modify कर सकते हैं, खासकर तुलना में।
Example: There is much interest in the new project.
Adverb of Degree vs. Other Types of Adverbs
Among the different types of adverbs, adverbs of degree are specifically used to describe the intensity or extent of an action, adjective, or another adverb. Let’s break down the differences between adverbs of degree and other types of adverbs:
1. Adverbs of Degree
Adverbs of degree provide information about the intensity or extent of something. They modify adjectives, verbs, or other adverbs to show how much or how little something is happening.
Examples:
Very (She is very kind.)
Too (The movie was too long.)
Extremely (He is extremely talented.)
Quite (The task was quite difficult.)
Slightly (The soup is slightly salty.)
These adverbs focus on how intense or extreme the action or quality is.
2. Adverbs of Manner
Adverbs of manner describe how an action is performed. They modify verbs to indicate the way in which something happens.
Examples:
Quickly (She ran quickly to catch the bus.)
Carefully (He drove carefully through the storm.)
Happily (They celebrated happily after the victory.)
Well (She sings well.)
While adverbs of degree focus on the intensity, adverbs of manner focus on the quality or style of the action.
3. Adverbs of Time
Adverbs of time provide information about when an action occurs. They tell us if the action happens in the past, present, or future.
Examples:
Yesterday (He called me yesterday.)
Soon (She will arrive soon.)
Now (I need to leave now.)
Later (We’ll talk about it later.)
Unlike adverbs of degree, which tell us about the intensity or extent, adverbs of time indicate when an action happens.
4. Adverbs of Place
Adverbs of place describe where an action takes place. They modify verbs and give us more information about the location of an action.
Examples:
Here (Come here right now.)
There (She is standing over there.)
Everywhere (He looked everywhere for his keys.)
Nearby (The store is nearby.)
While adverbs of degree are concerned with the intensity, adverbs of place focus on the location of an action.
5. Adverbs of Frequency
Adverbs of frequency tell us how often something happens. They describe the regularity or occurrence of an action.
Examples:
Always (She always drinks coffee in the morning.)
Often (They often visit their grandparents.)
Sometimes (He sometimes goes for a run.)
Never (I never eat junk food.)
Unlike adverbs of degree, which measure intensity, adverbs of frequency provide information about the repetition of an action.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Adverbs of Degree
Adverbs of degree help to modify adjectives, verbs, or other adverbs by specifying the intensity or extent. However, they are often misused. Let’s look at common mistakes and how to correct them:
1. Misplacing Adverbs of Degree with Non-gradable Adjectives
Non-gradable adjectives like “perfect,” “unique,” and “dead” already carry an extreme meaning and should not be modified by adverbs of degree.
Non-gradable adjectives (जैसे “perfect,” “unique”) के साथ “adverb of degree” का इस्तेमाल नहीं किया जाता है।
Example:
Incorrect: She is very perfect.
Correct: She is perfect.
वह परफेक्ट है।
2. Overusing Multiple Adverbs of Degree
When more than one adverb of degree is used together, it creates redundancy and makes the sentence unnecessarily complex.
“Adverb of degree” का ज़्यादा इस्तेमाल न करें, क्योंकि यह वाक्य को अप्राकृतिक बना सकता है।
Example:
Incorrect: The cake is very really delicious.
Correct: The cake is really delicious.
केक सच में स्वादिष्ट है।
3. Using “Too” in Positive Sentences
“Too” is often misused in positive sentences. It generally conveys excessiveness or a negative meaning.
“Too” का इस्तेमाल positive वाक्य में न करें, क्योंकि इसका मतलब होता है “बहुत ज़्यादा”।
Example:
Incorrect: The cake is too delicious.
Correct: The cake is very delicious.
केक बहुत स्वादिष्ट है।
4. Placing Adverbs of Degree Incorrectly in Sentences
Adverbs of degree should be placed before the adjective or adverb they modify. Placing them incorrectly can confuse the meaning.
“Adverb of degree” को सही स्थान पर रखें, यानी विशेषण या क्रिया से पहले।
Example:
Incorrect: She finished quickly her work.
Correct: She quickly finished her work.
उसने जल्दी अपना काम खत्म किया।
5. Using “Less” with Positive Qualities
“Less” should only be used in comparative contexts, not when referring to a singular positive quality.
“Less” का इस्तेमाल positive गुणों के संदर्भ में न करें, केवल तुलना करते वक्त करें।
Example:
Incorrect: He is less kind than her.
Correct: He is not as kind as her.
वह उतना दयालु नहीं है जितना वह।
6. Using Adverbs of Degree with Non-Action Verbs
Verbs like “feel,” “think,” and “love” describe mental or emotional states and should not be paired with adverbs of degree that describe actions.
ऐसी क्रियाएं जो मानसिक या भावनात्मक अवस्थाओं को व्यक्त करती हैं (जैसे “feel,” “think,” “love”) उनके साथ क्रिया विशेषणों का इस्तेमाल नहीं किया जाता।
Example:
Incorrect: I feel happily about the news.
Correct: I feel happy about the news.
मुझे इस खबर के बारे में खुशी हो रही है।
7. Using Adverbs of Degree with “Have”
“Have” is typically used in sentences expressing possession or states, and it should not be modified by adverbs of degree.
“Have” क्रिया के साथ “adverb of degree” का इस्तेमाल गलत है।
Example:
Incorrect: She have a very nice car.
Correct: She has a very nice car.
उसके पास एक बहुत अच्छा कार है।
8. Using Adverbs of Degree for General Statements
Using adverbs of degree in general statements can sound unnecessary and make the sentence overly complex.
सामान्य वाक्यों में “adverb of degree” का इस्तेमाल न करें।
Example:
Incorrect: This is very a good idea.
Correct: This is a good idea.
यह एक अच्छा विचार है।
9. Using Adverbs of Degree with Uncountable Nouns
“Too much” is often used incorrectly with uncountable nouns in situations where it doesn’t make sense.
“Too much” का इस्तेमाल उन गुणों के साथ न करें जो uncountable nouns के रूप में होते हैं।
Example:
Incorrect: He has too much happiness.
Correct: He has a lot of happiness.
उसके पास बहुत खुशी है।
Adverbs of Degree Example Sentences
Here are 10 sentence examples using adverbs of degree:
- The concert was incredibly loud, but very exciting.
- She is extremely skilled at painting portraits.
- The coffee is too hot to drink right now.
- He was quite nervous before his presentation.
- The food at the restaurant was really delicious.
- She answered the question perfectly.
- The hike was surprisingly easy despite the tough terrain.
- The new book is absolutely captivating from start to finish.
- The house was somewhat crowded during the holidays.
- They arrived just in time for the beginning of the show.
Adverb of Degree Exercise
Here is a 10-sentence exercise for practicing adverbs of degree where you have to identify the adverbs of degree in each sentence.
- She is quite excited about the concert tonight.
- I am so tired after the long trip.
- This movie was extremely interesting from start to finish.
- The cake tastes incredibly sweet; I can’t stop eating it!
- He is barely old enough to drive.
- I was rather surprised by the news.
- They are too busy to come to the party.
- The house is absolutely beautiful, especially at sunset.
- The test was somewhat difficult, but I managed to pass.
- We were almost late to the meeting.
Answers
- quite
- so
- extremely
- incredibly
- barely
- rather
- too
- absolutely
- somewhat
- almost
Adverbs of Degree FAQs
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What is the role of the adverb “too” in a sentence?
The adverb “too” is often used to indicate that something is excessive or beyond what is desired or expected.
For example:
Too hot (implying it’s uncomfortably hot)
Too expensive (meaning it’s more expensive than preferred)
Example Sentence:
The soup is too salty. (This suggests that the soup is excessively salty.)
-
When should we use “very” and “too”?
“Very” is used to emphasize a positive or neutral quality (indicating a high degree), while “too” usually implies excessiveness or something undesirable.
Very: It’s very cold outside. (Just a high degree of cold)
Too: The bag is too heavy to carry. (It’s uncomfortably heavy)
-
Is it okay to use multiple adverbs of degree in the same sentence?
While it is possible to use multiple adverbs of degree in a sentence, it can sometimes make the sentence sound repetitive or unnatural. It’s best to use one adverb of degree to maintain clarity.
Example:
Correct: She was very tired but still quite excited.
Incorrect: She was very really tired.
-
How do adverbs of degree modify verbs in a sentence?
Adverbs of degree modify verbs by specifying the intensity of the action. They can show whether the action is done to a high or low extent.
Example: He quickly finished his work. (The adverb “quickly” modifies the verb “finished” to indicate how fast the action was done.)
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Can adverbs of degree modify adjectives?
Yes, adverbs of degree modify adjectives to show the extent or intensity of the quality expressed by the adjective.
Example: The movie was incredibly exciting. (“Incredibly” modifies the adjective “exciting,” emphasizing how exciting it was.)
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What is the difference between “quite” and “fairly”?
Both “quite” and “fairly” express a moderate degree, but “quite” often indicates a slightly higher degree than “fairly.” “Quite” can sometimes imply something is more than just moderate, but not to an extreme.
Example of “quite”: She is quite talented. (She is somewhat but noticeably talented.)
Example of “fairly”: He is fairly good at chess. (He is moderately good at chess, but not outstanding.)
Conclusion
Understanding and using adverbs of degree is essential for improving your communication skills, especially in spoken English. These adverbs help express the intensity or extent of an action, making your speech and writing more descriptive and accurate. By practicing adverb of degree examples such as “extremely,” “quite,” or “too,” you can effectively convey your thoughts with clarity. Whether you’re participating in a conversation or delivering a presentation, mastering these adverbs can significantly enhance your fluency. If you’re looking to further improve your language skills, enrolling in a spoken English course or choosing to learn English online can provide structured lessons and personalized guidance.
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