Adverbs of Degree

What are Adverbs of Degree?#

Adverbs of Degree are adverbs used to tell us about the degree, intensity, or extent to which something happens. They answer the questions How much? or To what extent?

The uniqueness of Adverbs of Degree is that they don’t only modify verbs; they very frequently modify adjectives and other adverbs.

Some of the most common Adverbs of Degree:

• very
• too
• enough
• quite / fairly
• extremely
• almost / nearly
• completely

Position in a Sentence#

Generally, Adverbs of Degree are placed directly in front of the adjective, adverb, or verb they are modifying.

1. Modifying Adjectives

• The water was extremely cold. (Explains how cold it was).
• She is very beautiful.

2. Modifying Other Adverbs

• He drives too fast. (Explains how fast he drives).
• You played quite well today.

3. Modifying Verbs

• I almost missed the bus.
• I completely agree with you.

Important Exception: Enough#

Of all the words in the list above, the word enough has a very unique positioning rule that often confuses English learners.

Rule 1: As an Adverb (Modifying an Adjective/Adverb) If enough modifies an adjective or an adverb, it MUST BE PLACED AFTER the adjective/adverb (contrary to the general rule).

• Correct: The coffee is not hot enough.

• Incorrect: The coffee is not enough hot.

• Correct: He didn’t run fast enough.

• Incorrect: He didn’t run enough fast.

Rule 2: As an Adjective (Modifying a Noun) If enough is used to describe the quantity of a noun, its position is normal, which is IN FRONT of the noun.

• I don’t have enough money. (Money is a noun).
• We have enough time. (Time is a noun concept).

Conclusion: Use adverbs of degree to control the volume of intensity in your statements. Most are placed in front of the word they modify, EXCEPT for the word enough which must be placed after an adjective or adverb!