English Grammar: Intensifiers

1. What are Intensifiers?

Intensifiers, as the name suggests, are words or phrases that enhance or intensify the meaning of other words in a sentence. They are commonly used to express emphasis, strengthen the degree of a quality, or provide additional information. Intensifiers are an essential part of English grammar, as they allow us to add depth and intensity to our communication.

2. Types of Intensifiers

There are various types of intensifiers in English grammar. Let’s take a look at the most common ones:

2.1 Adverbs of Degree

Adverbs of degree modify adjectives or other adverbs to indicate the intensity or extent of an action or state. They answer the question “how much” or “to what degree.” Here are some examples of adverbs of degree:

• Very
• Extremely
• Quite
• Really
• Absolutely

2.2 Adjectives

Certain adjectives can also function as intensifiers. They are used to intensify the meaning of the adjective that follows them. Here are a few examples:

• Pure
• Utter
• Total
• Absolute
• Sheer

2.3 Amplifiers

Amplifiers are phrases or expressions that intensify the meaning of a word. They often add emphasis or exaggeration. Some common amplifiers include:

• By far
• Without a doubt
• Above all
• Beyond any doubt
• No question

2.4 Superlatives

Superlatives are the highest degree of comparison. They are used to indicate the highest level of a quality. Here are some examples of superlatives:

• Best
• Worst
• Strongest
• Fastest
• Most

2.5 Exclamations

Exclamations are words or phrases used to express strong emotions or surprise. They can intensify the impact of a statement. Examples of exclamations include:

• Wow!
• Oh my goodness!
• Amazing!
• Fantastic!
• Unbelievable!

3. How to Use Intensifiers

Now that we have explored the different types of intensifiers, let’s understand how to use them correctly in sentences. Remember, the purpose of an intensifier is to add emphasis or strengthen the meaning of a word. Here are a few guidelines to follow:

1. Placement of Intensifiers: Intensifiers are typically placed directly in front of the word they are modifying. For example: “She is very intelligent” or “He runs extremely fast.”

2. Be Mindful of Context: While intensifiers can add emphasis, it’s important to use them appropriately and consider the context. Using too many intensifiers in a sentence can make it sound exaggerated or insincere. Choose the intensifier that best suits the degree of intensity you want to convey.

3. Avoid Redundancy: Intensifiers should not be used with words that already express a high degree. For instance, saying “He is very unique” doesn’t make sense since “unique” itself implies singularity.

4. Combine Intensifiers: Sometimes, you can combine different intensifiers to strengthen the effect. For example, instead of saying “It’s very hot,” you can say “It’s scorching hot.”

4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)