Adverb of Degree - A Beginner Guide

What is an adverb of degree in English? An adverb of degree is one of many types of the part of speech, adverb. An adverb of degree is used to describe the extent, intensity, measure or degree of an action verb, adjective or another adverb. The main function of degree adverbs is to describe the degree of something [ a verb, adjective or another adverb]

Continue to read to learn adverb of degree meaning, definition, placement rules, example sentences in this tiny article. 

This article covers:

• Adverb of degree - meaning and definition 
• Adverb of degree examples in sentences
• Adverb of degree placement
• Adverb of degree list 
• Adverb of Degree Exercises
• FAQs - Adverb of Degree 

Adverb of Degree - Meaning and Definition

What does an adverb of degree mean? The word ‘degree’ in the phrase "adverb of degree" refers to “the extent, measure or scope of an action, condition or relation.” Therefore, an adverb that describes the extent, measure or scope of an action is called an adverb of degree.

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, adverbs of degree ”are used to show the intensity or degree of something. They can be used before adjectives, verbs, or other adverbs.”

So, by definition, adverbs of degree are words that tell us about the extent, intensity or degree of something. Adverbs of degree more specifically describe the degree of an action [a verb], adjective or another adverb. Adverbs of degree answer the question "to what extent?" Here are the most common degree adverbs in English: extremely, very, quite, almost, fully, entirely, largely, completely, too, enough, slightly, totally, fairly, etc.

Adverbs of Degree Examples in Sentences

Learn how the below-given highlighted words act as adverbs of degree and understand carefully which words [verb, adjective or adverb] adverbs of degree modify. Here are a few example sentences contain degree adverbs:

1. Mikki has an extremely tall stature.

2. Our buttermilk was too cold.

3. This season is really chilly.

4. John has nearly finished his homework.

5. Today's class is remarkably enthusiastic.

6. It's very cold outside.

7. He is almost done with his work.

8. He has changed completely after he came from the U.S.A.

Adverbs of Degree Placement Rules

Understanding the placement of adverbs of degree is a bit difficult task, as there's no fixed position of these adverbs. We, therefore, give below the possible guidelines as to how to correctly place adverbs of degree in sentences. Here are some of the usually-followed rules that govern the position of degree adverbs:

Rule 1. Degree adverbs are used before the words they modify [verb, adjective or adverb].

Examples:

a. The flight has just left the airport.

b. This is an entirely different topic.

c. I do it very rarely.

Rule 2. Some adverbs of degree like "really," "very," and "quite" are usually used in the middle of a sentence.

Examples:

a. I really love it.

b. He is very good.

c. You're quite silent today.

Rule 3. Adverbs of degree like "a bit," "much," and "a lot" are used at the end of a sentence.

Examples:

a. He feels ashamed a bit.

b. John likes it much.

c. They adore it a lot.

A List of Adverbs of Degree

Here is the list of adverbs of degree which you'll most commonly find in both spoken and written English:

• Too
• Very
• Extremely
• Horribly
• Unusually
• Wonderfully
• Almost
• Completely
• Deeply
• Barely
• Absolutely
• Fully
• Quite
• Somewhat
• Fairly
• Hardly
• Terribly
• Incredibly
• Enough
• Largely
• Pretty
• Really
• Scarcely
• Insanely
• Remarkably
• Badly
• Greatly
• Highly
• Most
• Little 
• Less
• Much
• Least
• Just
• Intensely
• Purely
• Strongly
• Thoroughly
• Utterly

Adverbs of Degree Exercises

Select the adverbs of degree used in the following sentences.

a. It is fairly good.

b. It's extremely hot.

c. I completely agree with you.

d. I really love you.

e. He's just finished it.

FAQs - Adverb of Degree

What is an adverb of degree?

An adverb of degree is a word used in a sentence to show the intensity or degree of an adjective, verb or another adverb. An adverb of degree usually answers the question ‘to what extent’.

Where can you place an adverb of degree in a sentence?

Adverbs of degree are usually used in sentences before the words [verbs, adjectives or adverbs] they modify. Therefore, adverbs of degree can placed in the mid and end positions generally.

Give some examples of adverbs of degree.

Really, fairly, too, just, very, entirely, quite, extremely, remarkably, almost, completely, fully, etc. are some examples of adverbs of degree.

Qns: Is fairly is an adverb of degree?

 Ans: Yes, fairly is an adverb of degree.