GRADABLE AND NON GRADABLE ADJECTIVES

Summary

In this lesson, the speaker explains the difference between gradable and non-gradable adjectives in English. Gradable adjectives can be intensified using words like 'very' and 'slightly,' while non-gradable adjectives require specific intensifiers such as 'absolutely' and 'completely.' The speaker provides tests to identify each type and introduces strong adjectives like 'hideous,' 'crucial,' and 'gorgeous.' Additionally, the lesson discusses how some adjectives, like 'quite,' can have both meanings depending on context. The video encourages learners to expand their vocabulary with these strong adjectives to enrich their language use.

Takeaways

• 😀 Gradable adjectives (e.g., wet, ugly, important) can be intensified using modifiers like 'a bit,' 'slightly,' 'very,' 'extremely,' and 'incredibly.'
• 😀 Non-gradable adjectives (e.g., 'absolutely drenched,' 'hideous,' 'vital') cannot be intensified with 'very,' but they use specific modifiers like 'absolutely,' 'totally,' and 'completely.'
• 😀 The test to determine if an adjective is gradable is whether it can be modified with 'very.' Non-gradable adjectives cannot use 'very.'
• 😀 Another test to determine adjective gradability is if the adjective can form comparative or superlative forms (e.g., 'wetter,' 'more beautiful').
• 😀 Some adjectives are 'absolute' and do not accept comparison or intensification, such as 'true,' 'false,' and 'necessary.'
• 😀 Common gradable adjectives include 'wet,' 'ugly,' 'old,' 'beautiful,' and 'important.' Non-gradable adjectives are often strong adjectives, like 'hideous,' 'vital,' or 'gorgeous.'
• 😀 'Quite' can be a tricky modifier. It means 'a little' when used with gradable adjectives (e.g., 'quite old'), but can mean 'very' with non-gradable adjectives (e.g., 'quite ridiculous').
• 😀 Some adjectives can be used both as gradable and non-gradable depending on context, such as 'certain,' 'satisfied,' and 'thrilled.'
• 😀 Learning strong or non-gradable adjectives is useful for enriching language with words like 'gorgeous,' 'devastated,' 'flabbergasted,' and 'exorbitant.'
• 😀 The difference between gradable and non-gradable adjectives often lies in the modifiers used and how the adjective's meaning can be intensified or compared.

Q & A

What is the difference between gradable and non-gradable adjectives?

Gradable adjectives can be modified to show different degrees of intensity using words like 'very,' 'slightly,' or 'extremely.' Non-gradable adjectives, on the other hand, represent absolute qualities and cannot be intensified in the same way. They do not work with 'very' and cannot form comparatives or superlatives.

Can you provide examples of gradable adjectives?

Examples of gradable adjectives include 'wet,' 'ugly,' 'important,' 'old,' 'beautiful,' and 'pretty.' These adjectives can be intensified or diminished using words like 'very,' 'slightly,' or 'extremely.'

What intensifiers work with gradable adjectives?

Intensifiers that work with gradable adjectives include 'very,' 'slightly,' 'a bit,' 'extremely,' 'incredibly,' and 'reasonably.' These words help to modify the strength or weakness of the adjective.

What is the rule for identifying whether an adjective is gradable or non-gradable?

There are two tests to identify the type of adjective. First, check if the adjective can be modified with 'very.' If it can, it is gradable. Second, check if the adjective can form comparatives or superlatives. Gradable adjectives can, while non-gradable adjectives cannot.

Give examples of non-gradable adjectives.

Non-gradable adjectives include 'soaking,' 'drenched,' 'hideous,' 'crucial,' 'vital,' 'immaculate,' and 'ecstatic.' These adjectives represent absolute qualities and cannot be modified with 'very.'

What intensifiers are used with non-gradable adjectives?

Intensifiers for non-gradable adjectives include 'absolutely,' 'totally,' 'utterly,' and 'completely.' These words are used to emphasize the strength of the adjective.

What is an example of using 'very' with a gradable adjective?

An example of using 'very' with a gradable adjective is 'very important.' This shows a high degree of importance.

Can 'quite' be used with both gradable and non-gradable adjectives?

Yes, 'quite' can be used with both gradable and non-gradable adjectives. For example, with gradable adjectives, 'quite old' means a little old, but with non-gradable adjectives, 'quite hideous' means very hideous.

What are 'absolute adjectives' and how do they relate to non-gradable adjectives?

'Absolute adjectives' represent qualities that are considered extreme and unmodifiable, such as 'true' or 'false.' These adjectives are treated similarly to non-gradable adjectives because they cannot be intensified and do not allow comparatives or superlatives.

What is the significance of learning non-gradable adjectives?

Learning non-gradable adjectives is important because they offer a richer vocabulary, allowing speakers to express themselves more precisely. For example, instead of saying 'wet,' you can say 'soaking' or 'drenched,' which intensify the meaning.