Degree Modifiers — Exercises
Practice degree modifiers before adjectives, adverbs and verbs: very, really, absolutely, a lot, fairly and extremely — and which word type each one attaches to.
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The book was ___ interesting — I couldn't put it down.
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very
Use 'very' before an adjective. 'A lot' goes with verbs, not adjectives.
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I ___ enjoyed the concert last night.
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really
Use 'really' before a verb. 'Very enjoyed' is wrong — 'very' doesn't modify verbs.
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The food at this restaurant is ___ delicious.
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absolutely
'Delicious' is a strong adjective, so use 'absolutely' — not 'quite delicious' or 'a bit delicious'.
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I ___ love this song — it always makes me smile.
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really
Use 'really' before a verb. 'Very love' is wrong — 'very' doesn't modify verbs.
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The film was ___ boring — I almost left after twenty minutes.
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quite
'Boring' is gradable, so use 'quite'. 'Absolutely / completely' would need a strong adjective like 'dreadful'.
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She talks ___ about her job — I know everything about her work.
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a lot
'A lot' modifies verbs in positive sentences. 'Much' is for negatives/questions, and 'very' doesn't modify verbs directly.
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She is ___ talented for someone her age.
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extremely
'Extremely' is a degree adverb that modifies the adjective 'talented'. 'Hard' and 'fast' don't fit here.
Degree Modifiers: very, really, absolutely, a lot, fairly
Degree modifiers show how strongly a quality applies, but each one is restricted to a particular word type, and mixing them up is a frequent source of unnatural-sounding sentences even at B1–B2 level. Very and fairly only modify adjectives and adverbs, never verbs directly. Really is more flexible and can modify a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. A lot modifies verbs, not adjectives. Absolutely pairs specifically with strong, extreme adjectives such as 'delicious' or 'exhausted', not with ordinary gradable ones.
Very and Fairly: Adjectives and Adverbs Only
I speak Arabic fairly well. (adverb — 'fairly' weakens 'well')
Really: The Flexible Modifier
I really love this song. (before a verb)
A Lot: After the Verb
Absolutely: For Strong Adjectives
Common Mistakes
✗ She is very talented for someone her age. → ✓ She is extremely talented for someone her age.
✗ She talks very about her job. → ✓ She talks a lot about her job.
Last updated: · Satori Editorial