Intensifiers.

1.What are degree words?

Degree words are small words that change the strength of an adjective or adverb. The degree words that make the meaning stronger are called intensifiers, for example very, really, and so. This page also teaches softeners, such as a little and a bit, because they are degree words that make the meaning weaker. Together, intensifiers and softeners help us describe feelings, opinions, and things more clearly.

The main pattern is: degree word + adjective.

• very happy
• really tired
• so cold
• a little hungry

2.Common degree words

2.1Stronger degree words: very, really, and so

Use these words to make an adjective stronger.

Very and really are close in strength. Really is very common in conversation. So often sounds more emotional: I am so happy!

Use so when you want to sound especially emotional or emphatic.

Do not confuse this degree-word so with result so. Compare: I am so happy. / I was tired, so I went to bed.

2.2Not very and quite

Not very makes an adjective weaker: It isn't very cold today.

Quite can have different strengths in British and American English. In British English, quite cold often means fairly cold, weaker than very cold. In American English, quite often makes the adjective stronger. At A1, use very or really when you mean strong.

2.3Softer degree words: a little and a bit

Use these softeners when the quality is only small.

2.4With adverbs

Degree words can also change an adverb.

• He drives very slowly.
• She speaks really quickly.

3.Too and enough

Too means more than we want or need, so there is a problem. Enough means as much as we need.

Meaning	Example
strong, but fine	The soup is very hot.
more than I want — a problem	The soup is too hot.
less than I need	It isn't warm enough.
as much as I need	The room is warm enough.

3.1Too: more than we need

Structure: too + adjective

• This suitcase is too heavy. I cannot carry it.
• The music is too loud. Please turn it down.

Use too + adjective (too loud), but too much / too many + noun (too much noise / too many bags).

3.2Enough: the right amount

Enough comes after an adjective, but before a noun: warm enough / enough chairs.

• The room is warm enough now.
• We have enough chairs for everyone.
• We have enough time for lunch.

For a negative meaning, use not + adjective + enough: The soup isn't hot enough.

4.Word order

With an adjective before a noun, very and really go before the adjective: a very good film, never very a good film. After a linking verb such as be, feel, or look, use them before the adjective: The film is very good.

• It is a very good film.
• The film is very good.
• I feel really tired.
• She looks really tired.

Use so, a bit, and a little before an adjective after be, feel, or look. Do not normally use a bit or a little before a noun: ✗ a bit heavy bag. Say: The bag is a bit heavy.

Do not use so before a/an + adjective + noun: ✗ a so good film. Say: such a good film or a very good film.

• The film was so good.
• The bag is a bit heavy.
• She looks a little nervous.

A little can also be a quantifier before a noun: a little water / a little time.

5.Common mistakes

Incorrect	Correct	Why?
She is real tired.	She is really tired.	Use the adverb really before an adjective.
It is very a good film.	It is a very good film.	Put a/an before the degree word and adjective.
The room is enough warm.	The room is warm enough.	Put enough after an adjective.

6.Key takeaways

• Degree words change the strength of a description: very and really make it stronger, while a little and a bit soften it. Really is common in conversation.
• So adds emotion or emphasis.
• Too means there is a problem; enough means the amount is right.
• With a noun, say a very good film; with be, say The film is very good.