B1Adverbs

Adverbs of Degree

What is it?

Adverbs of degree tell us TO WHAT EXTENT or HOW MUCH something is true. They modify adjectives, other adverbs, or verbs to show intensity or extent. Common ones include: very (high intensity), too (excessive), quite (moderately), extremely (very high), rather (somewhat), enough (sufficient). Understanding the nuances between these is crucial for expressing precise meanings in English.

How to form it

Subject	Positive	Negative	Question
Very (high intensity)	It's very hot	It's not very hot	Is it very hot?
Too (excessive)	It's too hot to work	It's not too hot	Is it too hot?
Quite (moderately)	It's quite interesting	It's not quite ready	Is it quite good?
Extremely (very high)	It's extremely difficult	It's not extremely difficult	Is it extremely difficult?
Rather (somewhat)	It's rather expensive	It's not rather expensive	Is it rather expensive?
Enough (sufficient)	It's good enough	It's not good enough	Is it good enough?

• Very: high intensity, positive or neutral → very hot, very beautiful, very quickly
• Too: excessive, often negative → too hot (can't work), too expensive (can't afford)
• Quite: moderate intensity → quite good (not amazing, but good)
• Extremely/Incredibly: very high intensity → extremely difficult, incredibly fast
• Rather: somewhat, slightly negative tone → rather expensive, rather boring
• Enough: comes AFTER adjectives/adverbs → good enough, fast enough, quickly enough
• Position: before adjectives/adverbs EXCEPT 'enough' which comes after

When to use it

1
Very — positive or neutral high intensity
"It's very hot today." / "She speaks very clearly." / "The test was very difficult."
2
Too — excessive, implies negative consequence
"It's too hot to work." / "This coffee is too sweet." / "You're driving too fast!"
3
Quite — moderate intensity, not as strong as very
"It's quite cold." / "The film was quite good." / "She's quite tall."
4
Enough — comes AFTER adjectives/adverbs, means sufficient
"Is it big enough?" / "She doesn't speak clearly enough." / "You're not working fast enough."
5
Extremely/Incredibly — very high intensity, stronger than very
"It's extremely cold." / "She's incredibly talented." / "The test was extremely difficult."

Common mistakes

It's enough hot.

It's hot enough.

'Enough' comes AFTER the adjective, not before it.

It's too much hot.

It's too hot.

Use 'too' before adjectives, not 'too much'. 'Too much' is used with nouns.

She speaks very too fast.

She speaks too fast.

Don't combine 'very' and 'too'. Choose one.

It's much very expensive.

It's very expensive. / It's much more expensive.

Don't say 'much very'. Use 'very' alone or 'much more'.

Quick reference

Modify adjectives, adverbs, or verbs to show intensity/extent
Very: high intensity (very hot, very beautiful)
Too: excessive, negative consequence (too hot to work)
Quite: moderate intensity (quite good, not amazing)
Enough: sufficient, comes AFTER adjective (good enough, fast enough)
Extremely/Incredibly: very high intensity (extremely difficult)
Rather: somewhat, slightly negative (rather expensive)

Natural conversation example

Friends discussing a restaurant they visited

Maya

How was the restaurant last night?

Alex

The food was quite good, but it was too expensive for me.

Maya

Really? I thought it was very reasonable.

Alex

Well, the portions weren't big enough. I was still hungry!

Maya

Oh! Maybe it's not the right place for you then.

Alex

Yeah, I prefer places that are extremely generous with portions.

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct adverb of degree.

1.
It's hot to work outside. (excessive)
2.
The test was difficult. (high intensity)
3.
Is it big ? (sufficient)
4.
The film was interesting. (moderate)
5.
She's talented. (very high)
6.
It's expensive. (somewhat negative)

Adverbs of Place All Topics

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