00 / Adjectives & Adverbs
Adverbs of degree
Adverbs of degree modify adjectives or other adverbs to express the intensity or strength of a quality. Common examples include 'very', 'really', and 'too'.
A1Beginner
01 / Overview
Adverbs of degree tell us how much or to what extent something is true. They usually sit directly before the adjective they modify.
- Very and really make an adjective stronger.
- Too means there is more of a quality than is wanted or needed, often suggesting a problem.
02 / Form
adverb of degree + adjective
These adverbs are placed immediately before the adjective or adverb they are modifying.
03 / Examples
04 / Very vs. Too
Learners often confuse 'very' and 'too'. Use 'too' only when the intensity causes a negative result.
| Adverb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Very | High degree (neutral/positive) | It is very hot (I like it). |
| Too | Excessive degree (negative/problem) | It is too hot (I cannot drink it). |
05 / Common mistakes
I am too happy today.
I am very happy today.
Being happy is positive, so 'very' is appropriate. 'Too' implies the happiness is a problem.
The water is hot very.
The water is very hot.
Adverbs of degree must come before the adjective, not after.
06 / Practice
The tea is ___ hot; I cannot drink it. (very / too)
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Answer: too
Why: The speaker cannot drink the tea, which indicates a negative result caused by an excessive amount of heat.
She is a ___ good student. (really / too)
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Answer: really
Why: Being a good student is a positive quality, so we use 'really' to add emphasis.
This suitcase is ___ heavy for me to carry. (very / too)
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Answer: too
Why: The phrase 'for me to carry' implies that the weight is a problem, making 'too' the correct choice.