Degree Adverb
 
 
 
 
Degree Adverb

In this lesson you will learn the definition of a degree adverb and study examples of degree adverbs.
Degree Adverb Definition
  • A degree adverb:
  • answers the question, How much?
  • increases or decreases the effect of a verb describes to what degree, level, or extent something is done
  • is also known as a quantity adverb
  • Like all adverbs, degree adverbs can refer to a verb, an adjective or another adverb
  • When they refer to an action they are usually placed before the verb expressing that action
  • She is almost done.
  • If they are meant to modify an adjective or another adverb they are placed before the adjective or the adverb they modify
  • They know each other very well.
  • I am quite sure he can manage on his own.
  • The adverb of degree enough means "to the necessary degree" and it is placed after adjectives and adverbs
  • Is your cocoa sweet enough?
  • You didn't try hard enough.
  • When enough is used with an adjective it can be followed by:
  • for somebody/something
  • The room is big enough for three people.
  • You are not qualified enough for this job.
  • to + infinitive
  • She is old enough to vote.
  • Sarah is crazy enough to do it.
  • When enough is placed before a noun it no longer functions as an adverb, but as a determiner meaning "as much as it is necessary"
  • We don’t have enough money to refurbish our home.
  • You have enough firewood.
  • The adverb of degree too means "more than is necessary or useful" and it is placed before adjectives and adverbs
  • You are too kind.
  • She ate too much cake.
  • When too is used with an adjective it be followed by:
  • for somebody/something
  • This car is too sporty for you.
  • The actress you recommended is too old for this role.
  • to + infinitive
  • You are too young to have a cell phone.
  • Their report was too long to be read at the meeting.
  • The adverb of degree very is placed before an adjective or an adverb to intensify the meaning
  • The documentary on global warming was very interesting.
  • Kids learn languages very easily.
  • Not very can be used to give a negative connotation to an adjective or an adverb
  • She was not very helpful.
  • They are not very happy.
  • James does not learn very quickly.
  • She did not do very well in her driving test.
  • Very versus Too
  • When we use very, we make a statement and simply state a fact
  • It is very good.
  • He speaks very quickly.
  • When we use too, we tend to make a subjective statement and imply there is a problem
  • They walk too quickly.
  • i.e. they are walking so fast that we can't keep up
  • It is too good to be true.
  • i.e. too good to be true; I don't believe it and I think there's a problem
  • Learn the adverb spelling rules
Degree Adverb Examples
  • I completely agree with you.
  • She is extremely busy.
  • She is almost done.
  • They know each other very well.
  • I am quite sure he can manage on his own.
  • Is your cocoa sweet enough?
  • You didn't try hard enough.
  • The room is big enough for three people.
  • You are not qualified enough for this job.
  • She is old enough to vote.
  • Sarah is crazy enough to do it.
  • You are too kind.
  • She ate too much cake.
  • This car is too sporty for you.
  • The actress you recommended is too old for this role.
  • You are too young to have a cell phone.
  • Their report was too long to be read at the meeting.
  • The documentary on global warming was very interesting.
  • Kids learn languages very easily.
  • She was not very helpful.
  • They are not very happy.
  • James does not learn very quickly.
  • It is very good.
  • He speaks very quickly.
  • They walk too quickly.
  • It is too good to be true.
  • She did not do very well in her driving test.
  • He is totally prepared for his job.
  • I am too tired to play baseball tonight.
  • He is totally exhausted from the trip.
  • Is there enough wine?
  • She can hardly sing.
  • The following words are degree adverbs
  • almost, completely, enough, entirely, extremely, hardly, just, little, much, nearly, partially, quite, rather, scarcely, too, totally, very
 
Grammar Tips
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Commonly Confused Words: Part One
(Beginner - Listening)

An audio lesson to help with your understanding of commonly confused words. The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed. Click here to visit the lesson page with the written script for this audio program.
Commonly Confused Words: Part Two
(Beginner - Listening, reading)

A video lesson to help with your understanding of commonly confused words.
The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Click here to visit the lesson page.
Commonly Confused Words: Part Two
(Beginner - Listening)

An audio lesson to help with your understanding of commonly confused words. The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed. Click here to visit the lesson page with the written script for this audio program.