Some adjectives and adverbs refer to qualities which are gradable. We use some words and expressions to add the idea of degree to gradable adjectives and adverbs. Common examples of these words are: too, as, so, enough, very, rather, quite, pretty, how, a little, a bit.
Fill in the blanks with an appropriate degree modifier.
1. It was ………………….. unpleasant experience.
A little and a bit cannot be used with adjectives in attributive position.
2. She looked .......................unhappy.
A little and a bit cannot be used with adjectives in attributive position.
3. You are not ………………….. to be a soldier.
Enough follows its adjective.
4. I can’t tell you .....................… pleased I am about the result.
We can use how before gradable adjectives and adverbs to add the idea of degree.
5. I thought the house was ………………….. small.
We can use 'a little' before adjectives and adverbs expressing negative ideas.
6. ...................... can you speak English?
We can use how before gradable adjectives and adverbs to add the idea of degree.
7. He is …………………. creative.
We use ‘not very’ to express a low degree. Little is not possible with this meaning.
8. Her condition is ...................... serious.
Very is not normally used with much before adjectives and adverbs.
9. You should come …………………. quickly as you can.
As is not used with much before adjectives
10. I don’t care ..................... expensive it is.
How cannot be used with much before adjectives and adverbs.
11. It is ………………… cold today.
12. Today is ...................... colder than yesterday.
Before comparative adjectives we can use very or very much.
Answers
1. It was a rather unpleasant experience.
2. She looked rather unhappy.
3. You are not tall enough to be a soldier.
4. I can’t tell you how pleased I am about the result.
5. I thought the house was a little small.
6. How well can you speak English?
7. He is not very creative.
8. Her condition is very serious.
9. You should come as quickly as you can.
10. I don’t care how expensive it is.
11. It is very cold today.
12. Today is very / very much colder than yesterday.
