Degree adverbials

Definition

Degree adverbials are words or phrases that modify the intensity or degree of an adjective, adverb, or verb within a sentence. They help to convey how much, how little, or to what extent something is true, enhancing the meaning and providing clarity to the statement. By adjusting the degree of the description, they play a crucial role in shaping the reader's understanding of the message being conveyed.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Degree adverbials can be single words like 'very', 'too', or 'quite', or phrases such as 'a bit' or 'incredibly'.
2. They are often placed before the adjective or adverb they modify to clarify their meaning.
3. Using degree adverbials can significantly change the tone of a sentence by emphasizing or softening its message.
4. Degree adverbials can also appear with verbs to indicate how much an action is performed, for instance, 'She sings very well.'
5. While they enhance meaning, overuse of degree adverbials can lead to vague language and weaken the impact of writing.

Review Questions

• How do degree adverbials function within sentences to modify meaning?
  • Degree adverbials function by specifying the intensity or extent of the qualities described by adjectives, adverbs, or verbs. For example, in the sentence 'She is very talented,' the degree adverbial 'very' intensifies the adjective 'talented,' conveying a stronger impression of her abilities. This modification helps to clarify the speaker's perspective and adds depth to the description being presented.
• Evaluate the impact of using degree adverbials on tone and clarity in writing.
  • The use of degree adverbials can greatly influence both tone and clarity in writing. When appropriately used, they enhance descriptions and provide more precise meanings, allowing readers to grasp the writer's intent. However, excessive reliance on them may lead to vague expressions that dilute strong statements. Thus, balancing their usage is essential for maintaining clarity while effectively conveying intensity.
• Create a sentence that utilizes degree adverbials and analyze how they affect the overall meaning.
  • Consider the sentence 'He runs extremely fast.' Here, the degree adverbial 'extremely' modifies 'fast,' suggesting that his speed is not just fast but significantly so. This choice of language paints a vivid picture of his running ability, elevating it beyond a simple description. In contrast, if we said 'He runs fast,' it lacks that additional emphasis, making it less impactful. The inclusion of 'extremely' elevates the perception of his speed and creates a stronger impression on the reader.

Related terms

Adverb: A word that modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb, often ending in -ly, that describes how, when, where, or to what extent an action is performed.

Intensifier: An adverb that increases the intensity of a word or phrase, such as 'very', 'extremely', or 'really'.

Modifier: A word or group of words that adds information to another element in a sentence, which can include adjectives and adverbs.