What are adverbs of degree? Where do they appear in a sentence and how are they used? Let’s explore everything you need to know about adverbs of degree with IDP, including their definitions, positions, and grammar structures – all tailored for IELTS success.
1. What Are Adverbs of Degree?
Adverbs of degree are words used to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. They help describe the intensity or extent of an action, quality, or another adverb in a sentence. These adverbs are essential in expressing emphasis, emotion, and subtle nuances in meaning.
Examples:
It is extremely cold this time of the year.
I’m very optimistic about our chances of success.
Classification of Adverbs of Degree
Adverbs of degree can be grouped based on the level of intensity they express:
Strong intensity: completely, absolutely, really, very, totally, thoroughly, entirely
Moderate intensity: pretty, quite, rather, fairly
Weak intensity: slightly, hardly, a bit, a little
2. Placement of Adverbs of Degree in Sentences
Before adjectives or adverbs
Most adverbs of degree appear directly before the adjective or adverb they modify.
Examples:
She comes from a very artistic family.
She’s extremely competent and industrious.
Not used with negations
Some adverbs already express a negative meaning and should not be used in negative sentence structures.
Examples:
We’ve scarcely time for sentimentality.
Health is not at all recognized until sickness arrives.
“Enough” – Position Flexibility
The adverb enough can appear after adjectives or adverbs, and before nouns.
Examples:
He is rich enough who has true friends.
He mustered up enough courage to attack the difficulty.
3. How to Use Common Adverbs of Degree
Very, Too
Position: Before adjectives or adverbs
Function: Adds strong emphasis Examples:
They’ve got a very limited view of life.
It is never too late to learn.
Enough
Structures:
Adjective/adverb + enough + to V
Enough + noun
Function: Indicates sufficiency or adequacy Examples:
One cloud is enough to eclipse all the sun.
I can hardly thank you enough for your kindness.
Quite
Position: Before adjectives, adverbs, or countable/unquantifiable nouns
Usage:
Quite a/an + noun
Quite some + uncountable noun
Quite a/an + adjective + noun Examples:
A flower has quite a complicated structure.
It was quite some time before they made progress.
The museum has quite a fascinating art collection.
Fairly
Position: Before adjectives or adverbs
Function: Implies moderate level Example:
She’s fairly responsive to new ideas.
Rather
Position: Before adjectives or adverbs
Function: Indicates preference or unexpected intensity Example:
I would rather have people laugh at my frugality than cry over my extravagance.
Much, A Lot, Far
Position: Before comparative or superlative forms
Function: Intensifies comparisons Examples:
The pay is much better in my new job.
This car is far better than the old one.
Somewhat, A Little, A Bit
Position: Before adjectives or adverbs
Function: Express mild intensity or emphasis Examples:
My mother’s a bit of an eccentric.
The price is somewhat higher than expected.
Barely, Hardly
Position: Before the verb
Function: Adds a negative emphasis, often with “even” or “any” Examples:
He could barely read or write.
I can hardly imagine such a moment.
4. Inversion with Adverbs of Degree
In formal or emphatic structures, adverbs of degree can appear at the beginning of a sentence, followed by inversion (helping verb + subject + main verb).
Structure: Adverb of degree + auxiliary verb + subject + verb
Examples:
Rarely do they have time to relax.
Not only does she sing well, but she also plays musical instruments.
5. Practice Exercises – Adverbs of Degree
Exercise 1: Rewrite the following using inversion
I never want to see you again. → Never do I want to see you again.
She rarely goes out at night. → Rarely does she go out at night.
He not only studies law, but he also works part-time. → Not only does he study law, but he also works part-time.
He scarcely spoke during the meeting. → Scarcely did he speak during the meeting.
She seldom wears dresses. → Seldom does she wear dresses.
Exercise 2: Fill in the blanks with appropriate adverbs of degree
The ABC movie was __________ boring that I fell asleep. (so / much / hardly) → so
She speaks English __________ fluently that you can barely notice her accent. (quite / ever / little) → quite
The concert was __________ loud that my ears were ringing afterward. (not at all / so / hardly) → so
I’m __________ familiar with this area, as I used to live here. (more / much / quite) → quite
The children were __________ scared when they heard the loud noise. (hardly / very / ever) → very
The weather is __________ hot today, so let’s go to the beach. (much / extremely / not at all) → extremely
She sang the song __________ well that the audience gave her a standing ovation. (so / nice / hardly) → so
I was __________ tired after working late into the night. (so / never / not at all) → so
The cake was __________ sweet for my taste, but others loved it. (not at all / rather / hard) → rather
The baby is __________ quiet, she hardly ever cries. (hard / absolutely / far too) → absolutely
Master Adverbs of Degree with Confidence – Practice with IDP
We hope this guide helps you fully understand how to use adverbs of degree in English, especially for your IELTS preparation. Understanding their structure, usage, and nuances allows you to express your thoughts more clearly and effectively in both speaking and writing.
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