Fairly, rather, quite and pretty are all degree modifiers. They are used to express the degree to which a certain quality is present. Fairly does not show a high degree of something, rather and quite do. Test your understanding of these degree modifiers with this grammar exercise. Each question is followed by four suggested answers. Choose the most appropriate one.
1. ‘How was the movie?’ ‘………………………………….. good. Not the best one I have seen this year.’
a) fairly
b) quite
c) rather
d) pretty
2. I ………………………………. think we are going to lose.
a) pretty
b) rather
c) surely
d) very
3. We are having ……………………………………. a bit of trouble with the kids just now.
a) rather
b) quite
c) pretty
d) fairly
4. You are …………………………………….. the most interesting woman I have ever known.
a) rather
b) quite
c) pretty
d) fairly
5. She didn’t run ………………………………. fast enough for a record.
a) pretty
b) rather
c) quite
d) fairly
6. We were ……………………………………….. hoping you could stay to supper.
a) rather
b) pretty
c) quite
d) fairly
7. I speak French ………………………………………… well – enough for everyday purposes.
a) pretty
b) rather
c) quite
d) fairly
Answers
1. ‘How was the movie?’ ‘Fairly good. Not the best one I have seen this year.’
2. I rather think we are going to lose.
3. We are having quite a bit of trouble with the kids just now.
4. You are quite the most interesting woman I have ever known.
5. She didn’t run quite fast enough for a record.
6. We were rather hoping you could stay to supper.
7. I speak French fairly well – enough for everyday purposes.
