ADVERBS | Part 5 | Adverbs of Degree | Essential English Grammar | All American English

Summary

This educational video explains adverbs of degree, highlighting their role in indicating the intensity of adjectives, verbs, or other adverbs. It distinguishes between gradable adverbs, which can express varying levels of intensity (e.g., 'a bit expensive'), and non-gradable adverbs, which indicate absolute states (e.g., 'absolutely stole'). The video emphasizes correct usage, providing examples and addressing common errors in informal speech. It also notes exceptions for certain adverbs that can be used with both gradable and non-gradable adjectives. Overall, viewers are encouraged to practice and deepen their understanding of these important language components.

Takeaways

• 😀 Adverbs of degree indicate the intensity or degree of adjectives, verbs, or other adverbs.
• 😀 They are typically placed before the word they modify.
• 😀 Gradable degree adverbs describe intensity as mild, medium, or strong.
• 😀 Non-gradable degree adverbs express absolute states that cannot be measured.
• 😀 Examples of gradable adverbs include 'a bit', 'pretty', and 'quite'.
• 😀 Examples of non-gradable adverbs include 'absolutely' and 'definitely'.
• 😀 Gradable adverbs can modify gradable adjectives, while non-gradable adverbs modify non-gradable adjectives.
• 😀 Informal speech may lead to the incorrect use of gradable adverbs with non-gradable adjectives.
• 😀 Certain adverbs like 'really' and 'fairly' can be used with both gradable and non-gradable adjectives.
• 😀 It's essential to practice using these adverbs correctly to enhance clarity in communication.

Q & A

What is the primary function of adverbs of degree?

Adverbs of degree indicate the intensity or extent of an adjective, verb, or another adverb.

What are gradable and non-gradable adverbs?

Gradable adverbs can express varying degrees of intensity (mild, medium, strong), while non-gradable adverbs describe absolute states that cannot vary.

Can you provide examples of gradable adverbs?

Examples include 'a bit expensive' (mild), 'pretty expensive' (medium), and 'quite expensive' (strong).

What distinguishes non-gradable adverbs from gradable adverbs?

Non-gradable adverbs describe states that are absolute and cannot be measured in degrees, such as 'absolutely' or 'definitely'.

How should gradable adverbs be used in relation to adjectives?

Gradable adverbs should modify gradable adjectives, for example, 'slightly disappointed' where 'disappointed' can vary in intensity.

What is a key grammatical point to remember regarding adverbs of degree?

Gradable degree adverbs modify gradable adjectives, and non-gradable degree adverbs modify non-gradable adjectives.

Are there exceptions in using adverbs of degree?

Yes, adverbs like 'really', 'fairly', 'pretty', and 'quite' can be used with both gradable and non-gradable adjectives.

What is an example of incorrect usage of degree adverbs?

An example is 'She was slightly devastated,' which is incorrect because 'devastated' is a non-gradable adjective.

Why might native speakers misuse degree adverbs?

Native speakers may misuse degree adverbs due to informal speech patterns where grammatical rules are not strictly followed.

What does 'completely impossible' illustrate in terms of adverbs of degree?

'Completely impossible' shows how a non-gradable adverb can be used to emphasize the absolute nature of a non-gradable adjective.