Adverbs of degree tell us to what extent or how much something happens. They modify adjectives, other adverbs, and sometimes verbs.
Common Adverbs of Degree
| Adverb | Intensity | Example | | --------- | ----------------------- | ------------------------------ | | extremely | very high | It is extremely hot today. | | very | high | She is very smart. | | quite | medium-high | The movie was quite good. | | fairly | medium | He is fairly tall. | | rather | medium (often negative) | It is rather expensive. | | slightly | low | I am slightly tired. | | hardly | very low | I can hardly hear you. |
The Special Case of "Too"
Too means "more than enough" or "more than is good." It has a negative meaning.
- This coffee is too hot to drink.
- She is too young to drive.
- It is too expensive.
The Special Case of "Enough"
Enough goes after the adjective or adverb (not before).
- The box is big enough.
- She is old enough to drive.
- He didn't run fast enough.
"Too" vs. "Very" vs. "Enough"
Compare these three:
| Expression | Meaning | Example | | ------------ | --------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------ | | very + adj | High degree, neutral | The soup is very hot. (just stating fact) | | too + adj | Excessively, negative | The soup is too hot. (cannot drink it) | | adj + enough | Sufficient, positive | The soup is hot enough. (at the right temperature) |
Degree Adverbs with Verbs
Some degree adverbs can modify verbs directly:
- I really like this song.
- She absolutely loves chocolate.
- He almost finished the race.
- I hardly know him.