What Are Adverbs of Degree?

Adverbs of degree tell us about the intensity or strength of an adjective. They answer the question ‘how much?’ or ‘to what extent?’.

Choosing the correct adverb of degree helps you sound more natural and precise in English. It is an important part of B2 level vocabulary.

What Are Gradable Adjectives?

Gradable adjectives describe qualities that can exist in different amounts or levels. You can be 'a little' tired, 'quite' tired, or 'very' tired.

Common adverbs used with gradable adjectives include:

• very
• really
• extremely
• quite
• a bit

These adverbs make the adjective stronger or weaker.

What Are Ungradable (Extreme) Adjectives?

Ungradable adjectives (also called 'extreme' or 'absolute' adjectives) describe qualities that are already at their maximum or minimum level. They already contain the idea of 'very'.

For example, furious means 'very angry', and freezing means 'very cold'. You cannot be 'a little bit furious' or 'very freezing'.

Common adverbs used with ungradable adjectives include:

• absolutely
• completely
• totally
• utterly
• fully

These adverbs emphasize the extreme nature of the adjective. They do not make it stronger, but confirm its absolute state.

Why Is This Important for B2 English and the B2 First Exam?

Using adverbs of degree correctly shows a higher level of English proficiency. It helps you express yourself more accurately and naturally.

For the B2 First (FCE) exam, especially in the Speaking and Writing papers, using appropriate collocations like these can improve your score. It demonstrates a wide range of vocabulary and good control of grammar.

Examples

• The film was really interesting.
• I'm extremely happy to see you.
• She was absolutely furious when she heard the news.
• The water in the lake was completely freezing.
• He felt totally exhausted after the long journey.
• The view from the mountain was absolutely stunning.

Practice

Common mistakes for Spanish speakers

A common mistake for Spanish speakers is to translate 'muy' directly, leading to incorrect collocations with ungradable adjectives.

• Incorrect: I was very exhausted. (Incorrect because exhausted already means 'very tired'.)
• Correct: I was absolutely exhausted.
• Incorrect: The weather was very freezing. (Incorrect because freezing already means 'very cold'.)
• Correct: The weather was absolutely freezing.

Remember: very, really, extremely go with gradable adjectives. Absolutely, completely, totally go with ungradable adjectives.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between gradable and ungradable adjectives?

Gradable adjectives can be modified to show different levels of intensity (e.g., a little cold, very cold). Ungradable adjectives describe an absolute state or an extreme level, so they cannot be made 'more' or 'less' (e.no-translation>g., freezing means 'very cold', so very freezing is incorrect).

Can I use 'really' with ungradable adjectives?

Yes, really is a flexible adverb that can sometimes be used informally with both gradable and ungradable adjectives (e.g., really amazing). However, for formal English and B2 exams, it's best to stick to absolutely, completely, etc., with ungradable adjectives.

How does this topic relate to the B2 First (FCE) exam?

In the B2 First exam, especially in the Use of English (Part 1, Multiple-choice cloze) and Speaking parts, you might need to choose the correct adverb to collocate with an adjective. Knowing the difference between gradable and ungradable adjectives helps you select the most appropriate word for accuracy and naturalness.

Are there any adjectives that can be both gradable and ungradable?

Some adjectives can be used in both ways depending on their specific meaning. For example, full can be gradable (e.g., the glass is almost full) or ungradable (e.g., the theatre was absolutely full). However, for B2 level, focus on the more common distinctions.