Adverbs of Degree: Definition, Types, Examples, Uses and Exercises

Do you know the difference between ‘I’m extremely tired’ and ‘I’m tired’? Are they the same? ‘I’m extremely tired’ helps the listener understand how strong the feeling really is, while ‘I’m tired’ only gives a general idea. That extra information comes from an adverb of degree. These small but powerful words are an essential part of English grammar, helping us express intensity more precisely and clearly.

Whether you want to say something is very good, almost done, or too difficult, adverbs of degree add depth and meaning to your sentences. Understanding how to use them correctly will help improve both your writing and speaking skills.

Table of contents

• What Are Adverbs of Degree?
• Types of Adverbs of Degree
• List of 50 + Common Adverbs of Degree
• Common Adverbs of Degree: Their Meaning and Usage
• How to Use Adverbs of Degree in Sentences
• Adverbs of Degree Examples in Sentences
• Adverbs of Degree vs Other Types of Adverbs
• Common Mistakes When Using Adverbs of Degree
• Adverbs of Degree Exercises

What Are Adverbs of Degree?

Adverbs are classified into different types based on what they describe. Adverbs of degree are one of them. An adverb of degree is a word that describes the intensity, level, or extent of an action, adjective, or another adverb. 

Adverbs of degree tell us how much, to what extent, or how intensely something happens. It answers the question ‘to what extent?’ and is normally positioned before the word it modifies.

Examples: 

• She is very intelligent.

• He ran quite quickly. 

• He almost finished his work.

• She is very happy.

• The water is too cold.
  
  

Types of Adverbs of Degree

Not all adverbs of degree do the same job; they can be grouped based on how they affect intensity or meaning. The three main types of adverbs of degree are the following:

1. Intensifying adverbs: These show a strong or heightened degree.
   The list of intensifying adverbs includes 'absolutely', 'completely', 'extremely', 'highly', 'totally', 'very', and 'really'.
   Example: The exam was extremely difficult.

2. Diminishing adverbs: These express a lower or softer degree and are sometimes called downgraders. The list of diminishing adverbs includes 'slightly', 'somewhat', 'fairly', 'rather', 'barely', and 'hardly'.
   Example: He was barely awake.

3. Limiting adverbs: These focus on boundaries, completeness, or limitation rather than intensity alone. The list of limiting adverbs includes only, just, almost, nearly, completely, and entirely.
   Example: She almost missed the bus.
   
   

List of 50 + Common Adverbs of Degree

• Absolutely

• Almost

• Badly

• Barely

• Completely

• Deeply

• Enough

• Entirely

• Exceptionally

• Extremely

• Fairly

• Fully

• Greatly

• Hardly

• Highly

• Horribly

• Incredibly

• Insanely

• Intensely

• Just

• Largely

• Least

• Less

• Little

• Moderately

• Most

• Much

• Nearly

• Only

• Partially

• Perfectly

• Practically

• Pretty

• Purely

• Quite

• Rather

• Really

• Remarkably

• Scarcely

• Slightly

• So

• Somewhat

• Strongly

• Terribly 

• Thoroughly

• Too

• Totally

• Unusually

• Utterly

• Very

• Virtually

• Wonderfully
  
  

Common Adverbs of Degree: Their Meaning and Usage

Here is a list of common adverbs of degree with their meanings and usage examples.

 

How to Use Adverbs of Degree in Sentences

Adverbs of degree are usually placed in the following positions:

1. Before the adjectives or adverbs they modify

• • She is very intelligent.

  • He runs quite fast.

2. Before main verbs (sometimes)

• • I almost forgot your birthday.

3. ‘Enough’ is an exception: it goes after the adjectives it modifies

• • She is tall enough to play basketball.

  • Is your coffee hot enough?

4. ‘Too’ goes before the adjective or adverb. 

• • This bag is too heavy.

  • He drives too fast.
    
    

Adverbs of Degree Examples in Sentences

• The food is too spicy.

• She is really excited about the trip.

• He is almost ready.

• This question is quite difficult.

• I am completely satisfied with the result.

• The room is very clean.

• The movie was extremely interesting.

• She is absolutely sure about her answer.

• He was completely shocked by the news.

• The water is slightly cold.

• I am very happy today.

• She was quite tired after the journey.

• He is almost finished with his work.

• The baby is barely awake.

• This bag is too heavy to carry.
  
  

Adverbs of Degree vs Other Types of Adverbs

The different types of adverbs are adverbs of degree, adverbs of manner, adverbs of time, adverbs of frequency and adverbs of place. The table below shows the difference between them.  

Common Mistakes When Using Adverbs of Degree

• Placing ‘enough’ before the adjective

• Incorrect: She is enough tall to reach the shelf.

• Correct: She is tall enough to reach the shelf.

• Using ‘very’ with absolute adjectives 

• Incorrect: The solution is very perfect.

• Correct: The solution is perfect. (or: absolutely perfect)

• Confusing ‘too’ and ‘very’
  Use ‘too’ only when you mean the degree is excessive or problematic.

• Incorrect: The coffee is too hot. 

• Correct: The coffee is very hot.

• Confusing ‘too’ and ‘very’
  Use ‘too’ only when you mean the degree is excessive or problematic.

• Incorrect: The coffee is too hot. 

• Correct: The coffee is very hot.

• Using ‘too much’ before an adjective

• Incorrect: He is too much excited.

• Correct: He is very excited. / He is too excited.

• Wrong position of  ‘hardly’ and ‘barely’ 

• Incorrect: I can't hardly hear you. (double negative)

• Correct: I can hardly hear you
  
  

Adverbs of Degree Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blank

Choose the correct adverb of degree from the list: 'very', 'too', 'enough', 'almost', 'barely', 'quite', 'extremely', 'hardly', 'fairly', 'completely'.

1. The suitcase is ______ heavy to lift — I need help.

2. She has ______ finished her homework; just two more questions to go.

3. The instructions weren't clear ______ for everyone to understand them.

4. He was ______ nervous before the presentation.

5. I ______ know anyone at the party — it was awkward.

6. The test was ______ easy; most students finished early.

7. It is ______ cold for a picnic today; let's stay inside.

8. The room has been ______ cleaned — nothing left to do.

9. He ______ recognised her after so many years apart.

10. The food was ______ good; nothing extraordinary.

Answers: 

1. too 

2. almost 

3. enough 

4. very 

5. barely 

6. fairly 

7. extremely 

8. completely 

9. hardly 

10. quite

Exercise 2: Identify the Adverb of Degree

Underline the adverb of degree in each sentence. 

1. The water is extremely cold.

2. She almost dropped the glass.

3. He is quite talented.

4. The music was too loud for a conversation.

5. Are you running fast enough?

Answers: 

1. extremely 

2. almost 

3. quite 

4. too 

5. enough