Adverbs of Degree: List of Words, Examples, Practice Exercises with Answers

The Adverb of Degree is a type of English Adverb that indicates the intensity of something described in the sentence and thus making the sentence more informative. These words usually answer the questions on ‘to what extent’ or ‘how much’. Have a look at the five Adverbs of Degree examples below:

• Rohan was extremely happy after the results.
• The movie was quite boring.
• Cats are clever enough to catch the mouse.
• The temperature was just right to jump into the pool.
• I am very sorry about your loss.

Also Read: English Punctuation Marks

As per the Cambridge Dictionary, “Degree adverbs are used to show the intensity or degree of something. They can be used before adjectives, verbs, or other adverbs.”

Pronunciation: /ˈædvɜːrb əv dɪˈɡriː/

Adverb of Degree Example: My dog is big enough to jump out of the car. (Here, enough is the Adverb of Degree)

Also Read: Prepositions Examples

Have a look at the list of words that fall under the Adverb of Degree in English Grammar, along with the examples:

• Very: Riya became very happy seeing her mother at school.
• Too: These shoes are too small for me.
• Quite: The play we saw yesterday was quite good.
• Almost: We had almost reached our destination when the rain began.
• Extremely: Managing a house with kids is extremely difficult.
• Completely: I have completely forgotten her.
• Enough: The teacher gave us enough time to complete the paper.
• Hardly: I can hardly breathe in closed spaces.
• Just: The flight has just landed.
• Really: Listen carefully, it is really important. 
• Much: The baby feels much loved while being held in the mother’s lap.
• Somewhat: The remedies she suggested were somewhat helpful.

Also Read: List of Vocabulary Words

The adverbs of degree words are differentiated based on their function, such as intensity, estimation, excess and limit and based on their degree, such as high degree, moderate degree, low degree and others. Have a look at these types of Adverb of Degree words below along with the examples:

H3: Types of Adverbs of Degree Based on Function

The image shared below explains these adverbs of degree words along with the examples.

Types of Adverbs of Degree in English

H3: Adverbs of Degree Types Based on Extent/ Degree

To explain the types of Adverbs of Degree based on their extent, we have curated a picture-based example for the ease of readers. Have a look:

Types of Degree Adverbs in English

Also Read: Past Perfect Continuous Tense

If you are not able to identify the adverbs of degree in a sentence, even after the list of words or examples shared above, then follow these steps:

1. Navigate and find the adjective, verb or another adverb in a sentence
2. Question on ‘to what extent’ or ‘how much’ in a sentence or in some cases, look for words ending with –ly.
3. That’s the word falling under the adverb of degree.

Using these steps, one can find the adverbs in a sentence easily. This will ultimately help the students in their board exams or recruitment exams.

Also Read: Past Perfect Tense Rules

The Adverbs generally precede the word they modify. However, in some cases, the adverbs of degree can have different positions, such as after the word they modify or within a sentence. Have a look at the placement rules for degree adverbs below:

1. The adverbs of degree are generally placed before the adjective/ verb/ adverb or the word they modify. For example:

• The kid barely finished the meal.
• He is an extremely naughty kid.

2. In some cases, these adverbs are placed after the adjective or verb or adverb, such as ‘enough’. Have a look at examples:

• The water is cold enough.
• The hotel is big enough to accommodate 150 guests in its rooms.

3. Some adverbs of degree can be placed differently within a sentence depending on the context.For example:

• The student completely understood the teacher’s instructions.
• We go to Goa a lot. 

Also Read: Prepositions of Place

It can be confusing for some to have a thorough knowledge of Adverbs of Degree in English. Some might confuse the adverbs with adjectives, or some might find it difficult to identify the Degree Adverbs. Thus, it is important to prepare well to know what exactly is Adverb of Degree is. Have a look at some of the preparation tips for Degree Adverbs:

• Understand what Adverbs of Degree are: First of all, one should have a clear understanding of what is this adverb and its relevance in English grammar. Learn how these adverbs words are and how they are placed or used.
• Learn the types of Adverbs of Degree: There are various types of adverbs of Degree which are distinguished based on the degree or functions. Know these types to have clarity over their usage.
• Know Placement Rules: After knowing the adverbs and their words, it is important to know their placement rules. It will ultimately help in correct use of adverbs in communication as well as in written English.
• Practice: One should undertake the Adverbs of Degree practice exercises to test their knowledge. It will enable students to know their understanding of the topic.

Also Read: Types of English Nouns