Grammar basics
Adverbs of degree
An adverb of degree tells you how much or how strong something is, like very, quite or too.
From weak to strong
| Strength | Examples |
|---|---|
| Weak | a little, slightly |
| Medium | quite, pretty |
| Strong | very, really |
| Very strong | extremely, totally |
| More than you want | too |
Where does it go?
Most adverbs of degree go before the adjective or adverb: very fast, really well. But enough goes after: good enough.
Very or too?
Very just makes a word stronger. Too means "more than I want", so it is a problem. This coffee is very hot (but I can drink it). This coffee is too hot (I can't drink it).
Really
Very. It is very common in spoken English.
I really like this song.
Extremely
Much more than very.
The traffic in Bangkok is extremely bad today.
Quite
More than a little, but not very.
The test was quite easy.
Too
More than you want or need.
This shirt is too big for me.
Almost
Very nearly, but not completely.
I'm almost finished with my project.
Enough
As much as you need. Put it after the adjective.
My English is good enough for meetings now.