Adverbs of Degree | Definition, functions and Examples

Adverbs are an essential part of speech that adds more detail and clarity to a sentence. One such type of adverb is the adverb of degree. It helps to modify the intensity or degree of an action or verb in a sentence. These adverbs play a crucial role in conveying the extent or intensity of an action. For instance, “She was extremely happy” portrays a higher degree of happiness than “She was happy.” In this article, we will explore what adverbs of degree are, and how to use them effectively with example sentences. So, let’s get started.

What are Adverbs of Degree?

Adverbs of degree are a specific type of adverb that modify adjectives, verbs, or other adverbs to indicate the intensity, extent, or degree of an action or quality. They help provide more precise information about how much or to what extent something is happening. These adverbs are essential for adding depth and accuracy to our language by expressing varying intensity levels, from minimal to maximal. They can be used with positive, negative, or neutral words to amplify or diminish their meaning. They often answer questions like “To what extent?” or “How much?” In simpler terms, They provide a way to quantify or qualify the degree of something in a sentence.

For example, consider the sentence: “She runs fast.”

Now, let’s enhance it using adverbs of degree:

She runs very fast.
She runs quite fast.
She runs slightly fast.
She runs extremely fast.
She runs moderately fast.

In each of these examples, the adverbs “very,” “quite,” slightly,” “extremely,” and “moderately” provide information about the degree of speed at which she runs. They offer a more detailed understanding of the intensity or different speed levels.

They can also modify adjectives to show the degree of a quality:

For example,

The coffee is extremely hot.
I can barely hear you.
The cake is very delicious.
It’s a rather difficult exam.
The answer is absolutely correct.

In these cases, “extremely,” “barely,” “very,” “rather,” and “absolutely” modify the adjectives “hot,” “hear,” “delicious,” “difficult,” and “correct,” respectively.

Moreover, They can modify other adverbs to specify the intensity of an action or quality:

For example,

She spoke very loudly.
They work incredibly efficiently.
The concert was absolutely amazing.
He solved the puzzle surprisingly quickly.

Here, “very,” “incredibly,” “absolutely,” and “surprisingly” modify the adverbs “loudly,” “efficiently,” “amazing,” and “quickly.”

Common Adverbs of Degree:

Here are some most commonly used adverbs of degree:

Very:
- Adds a high degree of intensity.
- Example: The cake is very delicious.
Too:
- Indicates an excessive degree.
- Example: It’s too hot outside.
So:
- Similar to “too,” expressing a high degree.
- Example: The movie was so interesting.
Quite:
- Adds emphasis to an adjective.
- Example: She is quite talented.
Almost:
- Indicates a very high degree, close to completion.
- Example: I am almost finished with my work.
Enough:
- Shows sufficiency or adequacy.
- Example: This coffee is hot enough.
Really:
- Emphasizes the intensity of an adjective.
- Example: He is really tired.
Absolutely:
- Adds strong emphasis or certainty.
- Example: The view is absolutely stunning.
Completely:
- Indicates totality or full extent.
- Example: I am completely satisfied.
Totally:
- Similar to “completely,” expressing fullness.
- Example: The task is totally done.

Adverbs of Degree

Types of Adverbs of Degree

Adverbs of degree often fall into categories like positive degree (showing the regular intensity), comparative degree (comparing two things), and superlative degree (showing the highest or lowest intensity):

Positive Degree Adverbs:

These adverbs indicate the basic or neutral level of intensity. Examples include “very,” “quite,” “so,” “rather,” “extremely,” “too,” and “somewhat.”

She’s very talented.
The movie was quite entertaining.
The weather is rather cold.

Comparative Degree Adverbs:

These adverbs are used to compare the intensity or degree of two actions or qualities. They often follow a structure like “more” + adjective/adverb or “less” + adjective/adverb. Examples include “better,” “worse,” “faster,” “more,” and “less.”

He speaks more loudly than I do.
She runs less quickly than her brother.
This coffee is less hot than the one I had yesterday.

Superlative Degree Adverbs:

These adverbs express the highest or lowest degree of an action or quality among three or more things. They are often formed using “most” + adjective/adverb or “least” + adjective/adverb. Examples include “best,” “worst,” “fastest,” “most,” and “least.”

She performed the task most efficiently.
This is the most beautifully written book I’ve ever read.
He studies the least efficiently in class.

Placement of Adverbs of Degree:

They can be placed in different positions in a sentence, depending on the emphasis you want to give:

Before the Adjective or Adverb: Generally, They are placed before the adjective or adverb they modify. For example,

It’s very cold outside.
She really enjoys painting.

At the Beginning of the Sentence: To emphasize the intensity, you can start the sentence with the adverb of degree. For example,

Almost out of breath, she finished the race.
Very slowly, the car pulled away.

After the Main Verb: Some of them can be placed after the main verb, especially if the verb is “be.” For example,

The party was so much fun.
The soup tastes slightly salty.

Exceptions:

In some cases, They can be placed at the end of a sentence for emphasis.

Example: She danced beautifully, indeed.

Degree Adverbs vs. Intensifiers:

Degree adverbs are sometimes confused with intensifiers, which are words that emphasize but don’t necessarily indicate the degree. For example, “really” and “so” are often used as intensifiers, but they don’t quantify the degree of something in the same way that “very” or “extremely” do.

Usage Tips for Adverbs of Degree:

Choose the Right Adverb: Select the adverb that best fits the intensity or degree you want to convey.
Placement Matters: Adverbs of degree typically come before the adjective they modify. For instance, “She is very talented.”
Avoid Redundancy: Be cautious not to use multiple adverbs of degree together, as it may sound redundant. Simplify your expression for clarity.
Consider Context: Think about the context of your sentence. Choose adverbs that appropriately convey the degree of intensity you want to express in a given situation.
Use for Emphasis: Employ adverbs of degree when you want to emphasize the strength or weakness of an adjective.
Adapt to Different Situations: Adverbs of degree can adapt to various situations. Whether it’s expressing heat, size, or talent, choose adverbs that suit the context.
Don’t overuse: Be careful not to overuse degree adverbs, as excessive use can make your writing or speech seem overly descriptive and lose its impact.
Comparative and Superlative Adverbs: Use comparative and superlative adverbs when comparing multiple actions or qualities.
Double Negatives: Be cautious with double negatives, as they can lead to confusion or convey unintended meanings.
Set the Tone: Consider the tone you want to set. Some adverbs may add a casual tone (“pretty”), while others convey a more formal tone (“absolutely”).

Example Sentences

The test was totally easy.
She is too tired to go out.
The pizza is so cheesy.
The soup is not hot enough.
He is very tall for his age.
I am so grateful for your help.
The problem is almost solved.
The concert was too loud for my liking.
She is very patient with children.
The water in the pool is so refreshing.
The journey was quite exhausting.
The news was absolutely shocking.
They are so close to reaching their goal.
The ice cream is absolutely delicious.
I am completely amazed by the view.
The project is almost finished.
She is very happy with her new job.
The car is so expensive; I can’t afford it.

List of Adverbs of Degree

Absolutely
Almost
Altogether
Barely
Completely
Entirely
Extremely
Enough
Exceedingly
Fairly
Far
Fully
Horribly
Unusually
Fairly
Fully
Greatly
Highly
Incredibly
Intensely
Nearly
Perfectly
Quite
Rather
Hardly
Really
Remarkably
Just
Slightly
So
Terribly
Somewhat
Too
Strongly
Totally
Very
Somehow
Somewhat

Comparative:

Better
Farther
Faster
Less
More
Later
Earlier
Worse

Superlative:

Best
Fastest
Least
Most
Latest
Worst

Exercise of Adverbs of Degree with Answers, MCQs

Q1: Which of these is an adverb of degree?

Quickly
Very
Yesterday
Happily

Q2: Which of these modifies the degree of an action?

Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb

Q3: Which of these adverbs of degree indicates the lowest degree?

Almost
Greatly
Perfectly
Incredibly

Q4: Choose the correct adverb to complete the sentence: “She sings ___________.”

loudly
singingly
happily
singly

Q5: Which adverb of degree best fits in the blank? “I am ___________ tired today.”

enough
usually
completely
too

Q6: Complete the sentence with the correct adverb: “He speaks English ___________.”

always
very
not
fluently

Q7: Select the appropriate Adverb of Degree to fill in the blank: “She performed ___________ well in the exam.”

barely
almost
quite
sadly

Q8: Which adverb of degree should be used to complete the sentence? “The car was ___________ damaged after the accident.”

very
usually
almost
happily

Q9: Which option has an degree adverb?

We arrived early.
The book is interesting.
She laughed.
They drove the car.

Q10: Choose the right adverbs to complete the sentence: “She was ___________ late for the appointment.”

often
sometimes
rarely
terribly

Answers:

Very
Adverb
Almost
Singingly
Too
Fluently
Quite
Almost
We arrived early.
Often, Sometimes, Rarely, Terribly

FAQs

Q1: What are adverbs of degree?

Adverbs of degree are a type of adverb that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate the intensity, extent, or degree of an action, quality, or circumstance. They provide information about how much or to what extent something is happening or being done.

Q2: How do adverbs of degree function in a sentence?

They modify other words to provide more information about their intensity. They help answer questions like “How much?” or “To what extent?” For example, in the sentence “She’s very talented,” the adverb “very” modifies the adjective “talented.”

Q3: How do adverbs of degree differ from other types of adverbs?

They specifically indicate the intensity or extent of an action, quality, or circumstance. Other types of adverbs can convey time, place, manner, frequency, and more.

Q4: What are the different types of adverbs of degree?

There are three main types: Positive: These adverbs indicate the basic level of intensity, like “very,” “quite,” “so,” “rather,” etc. Comparative: These adverbs compare the intensity between two or more things, using “more,” “less,” “better,” “worse,” etc. And Superlative: These adverbs indicate the highest or lowest level of intensity among a group, using “most,” “least,” “best,” “worst,” etc.

Q5: What are some common examples of adverbs of degree?

Common examples include “very,” “quite,” “too,” “so,” “extremely,” “really,” “almost,” “more,” and “most.”

Q6: Give some example sentences of adverbs of degree.

Here are some example sentences of adverbs of degree: