ENGLISH ADVERBS

Adverbs of Degree

Adverbs of degree tell us the strength or intensity of something that happens. Many adverbs are gradable, that is, we can intensify them. Basically they answer the sort of question that asks How much ...? or How little...?

Adverbs of degree include; adequately, almost, entirely, extremely, greatly, highly, hugely, immensely, moderately, partially, perfectly, practically, profoundly, strongly, totally, tremendously, very, virtually etc.

For example:-

The man drove badly. = The man drove really badly. - In this sentence really shows us just how badly he drove.

They enjoyed the film. = They enjoyed the film immensely. - In this sentence immensely shows us how much they enjoyed the film.

These intensifiers are not gradable though, you cannot say The man drove extremely very badly.

Adverbs of Duration

Adverbs of duration tell us how long something happened.

They include; briefly, forever, long, shortly, permanantly, temporarily etc.

For example:

"They were occupied." = "They were briefly occupied." - In this sentence briefly shows us the duration.

"The phone was out of order." = "The phone was temporarily out of order." - In this sentence temporarily shows us the duration.