Adverbs of degree :
We use adverbs of degree to qualify what we are talking about. We might tell our friend that we are happy, but we may want to explain the degree (or level) of our happiness: I’m really happy, I’m quite happy or I’m not very happy. Adverbs of degree can be split into two groups: adverbs that intensify the degree of something vs. adverbs that weaken the degree of something.
Adverbs that increase, or intensify, the meaning include words such as: very, totally, completely, and absolutely. For example: I’m totally convinced Sam will quit his job.
Adverbs that decrease or weaken the degree of meaning include words such as: fairly, quite, slightly, and a bit. For example: I’m fairly certain it will rain tomorrow.
An adverb of degree can modify an adjective, another adverb or a verb. Have a look at the following examples:
Adverbs of degree can modify adjectives or adverbs:
Subject + main verb + adverb of degree + adjective
e.g. Jane is very happy.
Subject + main verb + adverb of degree + adverb
e.g. Tom walks extremely quickly.
Adverbs of degree can also modify verbs:
Subject + adverb of degree + main verb
e.g. The boys thoroughly enjoyed their trip to the theatre.
With modal verbs, the adverb of degree can appear before the modal verb or before the main verb, depending on the meaning.
For example:
Subject + adverb of degree + modal + main verb
e.g. You really should look where you are going!
Subject + modal + adverb of degree + main verb
e.g. You should really look at the instructions first.
With auxiliary verbs (e.g. have and is/are), the adverb usually goes before the main verb. For example:
Subject + auxiliary verb + adverb of degree + past participle
e.g. I have really enjoyed studying at this school.
