29 Adverbs - Degree (Intensifiers)

Adverbs are nouns that function as modifiers of other elements of a clause. They can provide a wide range of information.

Those used to provide information about the intensity of an action or adjective are called Adverbs of Degree or Intensifiers.

The position of Adverbs of Degree in a sentence is as follows:
Aux. verbs + Adverbs of Degree;
Adverbs of Degree + verbs/words.

The main Adverbs of Degree are:

• Completely;
• Incredibly;
• Hardly;
• Scarcely;
• Virtually;
• Deeply.

In some cases Adverbs can be formed by adding -ly to Adjectives.

• Extreme > extremely.

Adverbs are usually positioned after the auxiliary verbs “to be” or “to have” (I’m extremely confused) and before the other verbs (I absolutely want to go to the cinema) or the words they modify.

• I completely understand.
• Her ring was just incredibly beautiful.
• We can hardly hear her.
• Their behaviours are scarcely better.
• It is virtually impossible for her to be silent.

Adverbs of Degree usually modify adjectives and show how and to what extent something happens.

Adverbs are important as they modify other elements in a sentence. Adverbs can give information about the intensity of an action or adjective and these are called Adverbs of Degree. In addition to the Adverbs of degree that we studied in Level A2, there exists a number of other adverbs such as completely, incredibly, hardly, scarcely, virtually and deeply.

The position of Adverbs of Degree in a sentence is as follows:
Aux. verbs + Adverbs of Degree (e.g. It is hardly my fault.);
Adverbs of Degree + verbs/words (e.g. I hardly ate anything.).

For example:
— “It is hardly my fault.” = Adverbs of degree (hardly) are used after auxiliary verbs (is).
— “I hardly ate anything.” = Adverbs of degree (hardly) are positioned before verbs/words (ate).

Let’s revise this content within the [Form] section. Take a look at the [Example] section that shows its use within a context.