Degree adverbs

Definition

Degree adverbs are words that modify adjectives or other adverbs, indicating the intensity or degree of the quality expressed. They help specify how much or to what extent something is true, providing additional context to a sentence. By enhancing adjectives and adverbs, they play a vital role in conveying precise meaning and emotion in communication.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Degree adverbs include terms like 'very,' 'quite,' 'extremely,' and 'barely,' which alter the intensity of the modified word.
2. These adverbs can significantly change the meaning of a sentence; for example, 'She is very happy' conveys a stronger emotion than 'She is happy.'
3. Degree adverbs are commonly used in both spoken and written English to provide clarity and precision in expression.
4. They can be placed before adjectives or other adverbs in a sentence, affecting their interpretation based on position.
5. Overusing degree adverbs can lead to vague or exaggerated language; effective communication often requires balance and moderation.

Review Questions

• How do degree adverbs influence the meaning of adjectives in sentences?
  • Degree adverbs influence the meaning of adjectives by modifying their intensity, allowing speakers to convey a more precise emotional tone or state. For instance, using 'very' before an adjective like 'happy' indicates a stronger emotion compared to just saying 'happy.' This nuance helps listeners better understand the speaker's feelings or perspectives and adds depth to communication.
• What role do degree adverbs play in distinguishing between similar adjectives, and can you give examples?
  • Degree adverbs serve to distinguish between similar adjectives by modifying their intensity, which aids in expressing varying levels of quality. For example, 'She is somewhat tired' suggests a lesser degree of fatigue compared to 'She is completely tired.' Such distinctions are crucial in conveying accurate sentiments and making communication more effective, as they help listeners grasp the speaker's true feelings about a situation.
• Evaluate how the improper use of degree adverbs can affect clarity in writing.
  • Improper use of degree adverbs can lead to ambiguity and confusion in writing, obscuring the intended message. For instance, excessive reliance on terms like 'really' or 'very' may result in vague descriptions that fail to provide specific information. Additionally, overusing these modifiers might weaken writing by making it sound exaggerated or less credible. A careful balance of degree adverbs is essential for maintaining clarity and ensuring that readers fully understand the nuances of the content.

Related terms

Intensifiers: Words that enhance the meaning of an adjective or adverb, often used to express strong emotions or emphasize a particular quality.

Qualifiers: Words that limit or specify the meaning of adjectives and adverbs, indicating a certain degree of certainty or extent.

Comparative Adverbs: Adverbs that compare the degree of an action between two or more entities, typically formed by adding '-er' or using 'more'.