(I) Adverbs of degree

• very, quite and a bit

An adverb of degree makes the meaning stronger (+) or weaker (-):

(++) very cold (+) quite cold) (-) a bit cold• An adverb of degree (e.g.) goes before an

adjective or an adverb: e.g. fairly soon, a bit tired• We can use a lot (++) and much (++) with a

comparative: a lot cheaper, much faster

(II) Adverbs of degree

• Many adverbs of degree (e.g. really) can go with a verb. Most go in mid position (after an auxiliary but before the main verb: My foot is really hurting (++), I just know you’re wrong (++)

• These adverbs go at the end of a sentence when they describe a verb: much, a lot (++); a little, a bit (-); terribly, awfully (++):

I ride my bike a lot or let’s rest a little• In a positive stament we use very much, in a negative

very much or much: I like this book very much. NOT I like this book much

(III) Adverbs of degree: quite and rather

• Quite usually means “fairly”: I feel quite tired now

• When we make a favourable comment, we usually prefer “quite” to “rather” : It’s quite warm now, isnt’t it?

• Rather in a favourable comment means to a “surprising or unsual degree”: It’s rather warm for October

• In unfavourable comments we use rather, but quite it’s possible: The floor was rather/quite dirty.

• We can use rather with a comparative, but not quite: The second test was rather easier than the first

• Quite can also means completely: the idea is quite absurd

(IV) Adverbs of degree: too & enough

• Meaning- Too means “more than the right amount”:

this sweater is too big- Enough means “the right amount”: The dreess is big enough- Not enough means “less than the right

amount”: The jacket isn’t big enough