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Adverbs of degree used to baffle my students until I showed them the two camps: intensifiers (very, extremely, utterly) that pump up the volume, and downtoners (slightly, fairly, somewhat) that turn it down. Once they saw the difference, learners suddenly realized how to control the “temperature” of their sentences. “She is very tired” sounds different from “She is somewhat tired”—and now you know why.
You’ll walks you through both camps, shows you exactly where to place degree adverbs in your sentences, and gives you a table of 15+ examples you can use right away. You’ll also learn why “quite” can be tricky (it’s both an intensifier and a downtoner depending on context) and how to avoid overusing “very.”
Key Takeaways
- Two camps — Intensifiers (very, extremely, totally) increase intensity; downtoners (fairly, slightly, somewhat) decrease it.
- Modify three things — Adverbs of degree modify adjectives, other adverbs, and verbs (usually in passive voice).
- Position rule — Place degree adverbs before the adjective or adverb they modify (very tired, extremely fast).
- Avoid “very” fatigue — Use varied intensity adverbs: extremely, incredibly, quite, fairly, rather, somewhat, slightly, barely.
- “Quite” is a chameleon — It intensifies in British English (“quite good” = very good) but downtones in American English (“quite good” = moderately good).
Understanding Adverbs of Degree
Adverbs of degree modify the intensity or extent of an adjective, another adverb, or a verb. They answer the question: “To what degree or extent?” In a sentence like “She is extremely talented,” the adverb “extremely” tells us the degree of her talent.
Unlike adverbs of manner (which describe how an action is done) or adverbs of time (which describe when), degree adverbs focus on intensity. They scale the meaning up or down on an invisible volume dial.
Function: How degree adverbs are used
- Modifying adjectives: She is very tall. (How tall? Very.)
- Modifying adverbs: He speaks quite fluently. (How fluently? Quite fluently.)
- Modifying verbs: I hardly slept last night. (How much sleep? Hardly any.)
- Comparing intensity: He is much taller than his brother. (How much taller? Much taller.)
- Showing degree change: The weather is slightly cooler today than yesterday.
Key insight: Adverbs of degree exist on a spectrum. Some pump up meaning (intensifiers); others dial it back (downtoners). Neither is “wrong”—you choose based on how strong you want your statement to sound.
Two Types of Adverbs of Degree
Intensifiers (Volume UP)
Intensifiers increase or strengthen the degree of meaning. They make sentences more emphatic and intense. Use them when you want to emphasize a quality or action.
Common intensifiers:
- Absolutely — “She was absolutely furious.” (Complete fury, no middle ground.)
- Completely — “The room was completely empty.” (100% empty.)
- Extremely — “The food was extremely spicy.” (Very, very spicy.)
- Totally — “I am totally in love with this book.” (Completely devoted.)
- Utterly — “The situation is utterly ridiculous.” (Beyond ridiculous.)
- Very — “He is very tall.” (The most common intensifier.)
- Incredibly — “The view is incredibly beautiful.” (Unbelievably beautiful.)
- Highly — “She is highly skilled.” (Great skill level.)
Example 1 (emphasis): The movie was extremely entertaining. (Much stronger than “very entertaining.”)
Example 2 (emotion): She is absolutely devastated by the news. (No room for doubt in her sadness.)
Example 3 (quality): He speaks English incredibly well for someone who started learning last year.
Example 4 (extent): The project is completely finished and ready for review.
Example 5 (comparison): This coffee is far better than the last batch.
Downtoners (Volume DOWN)
Downtoners, or hedging adverbs, decrease or weaken the degree of meaning. They make sentences less intense and more moderate. Use them when you want to soften a statement or express caution.
Common downtoners:
- Fairly — “The movie was fairly interesting.” (Good, but not amazing.)
- Rather — “The dress was rather expensive.” (Somewhat pricey.)
- Slightly — “The coffee is slightly too hot.” (Just a little too hot.)
- Somewhat — “The food was somewhat spicy.” (A bit spicy, but manageable.)
- Just — “The coat is just right.” (Barely fitting or perfect.)
- Almost — “I almost missed the train.” (Close, but not quite.)
- Barely — “He barely passed the exam.” (Just squeaked through.)
Example 1 (softening): The presentation was fairly good, though it could use more examples.
Example 2 (caution): I’m somewhat concerned about the deadline.
Example 3 (precision): The room is slightly smaller than I expected.
Example 4 (hedge): She is rather talented for a beginner.
Example 5 (near-miss): We almost finished the project on time.
The “quite” paradox: “Quite” is a chameleon. In British English, “quite good” means “very good” (intensifier). In American English, “quite good” means “reasonably good, but not great” (downtoner). Context and accent matter!
Position of Adverbs of Degree in a Sentence
Before the adjective or adverb
This is the standard position. Degree adverbs come right before the word they modify.
Example 1: She is very beautiful . (Degree adverb before adjective)
Example 2: He runs quite quickly . (Degree adverb before adverb)
Example 3: The building was absolutely destroyed . (Degree adverb before adjective)
Example 4: She speaks English incredibly fluently . (Degree adverb before adverb)
Example 5: The water is slightly cold for swimming. (Degree adverb before adjective)
Mid-position with auxiliary verbs
When a sentence has an auxiliary verb (be, have, will, etc.), the degree adverb comes after the auxiliary but before the main verb or adjective.
Example 1: She is quite happy with her new job.
Example 2: I have completely forgotten about the meeting.
Example 3: They were absolutely thrilled with the concert.
Example 4: The patient is seriously injured.
Example 5: He has nearly finished his degree.
End-position (less common)
While not the default, degree adverbs can appear at the end of a sentence for emphasis or stylistic effect. This is more common in spoken English than written.
Example 1: The movie was really boring, very disappointing.
Example 2: She is quite talented, isn’t she?
Example 3: He’s a very good singer, surprisingly.
Example 4: The situation is becoming rather serious, fairly quickly.
Example 5: They are utterly unprepared, completely.
Practical Examples: Degree Adverbs in Context
| Adverb of Degree | Example Sentence | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Absolutely | She was absolutely furious. | Intensifier |
| Almost | He almost missed the train. | Downtoner |
| Completely | The room was completely empty. | Intensifier |
| Extremely | The food was extremely spicy. | Intensifier |
| Fairly | The movie was fairly interesting. | Downtoner |
| Quite | The weather was quite warm. | Chameleon |
| Rather | The dress was rather expensive. | Downtoner |
| Slightly | The coffee is slightly too hot. | Downtoner |
| Somewhat | The food was somewhat spicy. | Downtoner |
| Very | The book was very interesting. | Intensifier |
Common Mistakes with Adverbs of Degree
✗ Incorrect: The weather is very, very, very hot.
✓ Correct: The weather is extremely hot.
Why: Repeating “very” weakens your writing. Use varied intensifiers for stronger impact.
✗ Incorrect: She is beautiful very.
✓ Correct: She is very beautiful.
Why: Degree adverbs must come before the adjective they modify, not after.
✗ Incorrect: The situation is quite unique.
✓ Correct: The situation is unique.
Why: “Unique” means “one of a kind”—there are no degrees of uniqueness. A thing either is or isn’t unique.
✗ Incorrect: I’m rather very tired.
✓ Correct: I’m quite tired. (or: I’m very tired.)
Why: Stacking multiple degree adverbs sounds awkward. Pick one that fits the intensity level you want.
✗ Incorrect: She is completely somewhat happy.
✓ Correct: She is somewhat happy. (or: She is quite happy.)
Why: “Completely” (intensifier) and “somewhat” (downtoner) contradict each other. Choose one.
Sample Dialogue
In a writing class
Teacher: I see you’ve written “This movie is very, very, very good.” Let’s talk about that. Why did you repeat “very”?
Student: I was trying to emphasize how much I liked it.
Teacher: I understand. But native speakers would say “This movie is extremely good” or “This movie is incredibly good”—one word does the job. Repetition actually weakens the impact. What about the word “good” itself—could you use a stronger adjective?
Student: Like “This movie is excellent”?
Teacher: Exactly! Or “outstanding,” “brilliant,” “phenomenal.” Strong words often need no degree adverb at all. What’s the difference in your head between “very good” and “fairly good”?
Student: “Very good” is stronger?
Teacher: Yes. “Very” intensifies; “fairly” softens. Once you feel that difference, you can control exactly how strong your message sounds. That’s power.
Quick Quiz
- Which is an intensifier: “slightly” or “extremely”?
- Where should the degree adverb sit in: “She is [adverb] beautiful”? Before or After
- Fill the blank: “The coffee is __________ hot.” (very / somewhat / absolutely — all three work; name one)
- What type of word do degree adverbs modify? (Select all that apply) Nouns / Adjectives / Verbs / Other adverbs
- “Quite” can be both an intensifier and a downtoner. In which English? British / American / Both
Answers: 1. extremely · 2. Before · 3. Any of these (very, somewhat, absolutely) · 4. Adjectives, Verbs (passive), Other adverbs · 5. Both (but they mean different things)
Related Articles
- ↑ Master Pillar: English Grammar
- Adverbs in English Grammar: Types, Position, and Examples
- The Ultimate List of Adverbs: 40+ Examples by Type
- Adverbs of Manner: How to Describe Actions
- ↑ Back to pillar: English Adverbs (Pillar)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some examples of adverbs of degree?
Adverbs of degree include very, extremely, quite, somewhat, nearly, almost, completely, totally, absolutely, fairly, rather, slightly, barely, and incredibly. Some intensify (very, extremely); others soften (fairly, somewhat).
What is the difference between adverbs of degree and adverbs of manner?
Adverbs of degree modify the intensity of an adjective, adverb, or verb (“very happy,” “extremely fast”). Adverbs of manner describe how an action is done (“She sings beautifully,” “He runs quickly”). One measures intensity; the other describes the way.
How do you use adverbs of degree in a sentence?
Place degree adverbs directly before the adjective, adverb, or verb they modify: “She is extremely talented,” “He runs quite quickly,” “I hardly slept.” When auxiliary verbs are present, the degree adverb comes after the auxiliary: “She is quite happy,” “I have completely forgotten.”
What are intensifiers vs. downtoners?
Intensifiers (very, extremely, absolutely, totally) increase meaning and emphasis. Downtoners (fairly, somewhat, rather, slightly, barely) decrease meaning and soften statements. Choose based on whether you want to pump up or dial down your message.
Why do learners overuse “very”?
Because “very” is simple and universal—but repetition weakens your writing. Instead of “very, very, very good,” use “extremely good” or a stronger adjective like “excellent.” Variety in intensity adverbs shows sophistication and keeps readers engaged.
Can degree adverbs modify nouns?
Degree adverbs do NOT directly modify nouns. They modify adjectives, verbs, and other adverbs. You’d say “a very beautiful house” (degree adverb + adjective + noun), not “a very house” or “a beautiful very house.”
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