Intermediate 📐 Grammar · #283 of 305

Adverbs of Degree

Use quite, rather, fairly, absolutely to show degree.

Examples

  • It is fairly easy.
  • It is absolutely amazing.

Key rules

  • Adverbs of degree show how much: quite, rather, fairly, very, extremely, absolutely
  • Gradable adjectives take very, fairly, extremely (very good)
  • Extreme adjectives take absolutely, totally (absolutely amazing)
  • Do not use very with extreme adjectives

Common mistakes

  • It is very amazing → It is absolutely amazing
  • absolutely good → very good
💡 Tip: Match the adverb to the type of adjective.
Practise this topic in the appPractise Intermediate quiz
← Adjective Order (Extended)Quite, Rather, Fairly, Pretty →

Related Intermediate topics

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Present Perfect Continuous

have been + -ing stresses duration up to now.

Past Perfect

had + past participle for an earlier past action.

Past Perfect Continuous

had been + -ing for duration before a past moment.

Future Continuous

will be + -ing for actions in progress at a future time.

Future Perfect

will have + past participle for completion before a future time.

Future Perfect Continuous

will have been + -ing for duration up to a future point.