Adverbs of Degree
Identify the word or phrase whose degree is being adjusted, then place the adverb where its scope is clear and idiomatic. Keep degree adverbs distinct from frequency adverbs and from quantifiers that determine noun phrases.
Adverbs of degree show intensity or extent. They can modify adjectives, other adverbs, and some verbs: “very clear,” “quite slowly,” “barely moved.” Their position depends on the particular adverb and what it modifies, so there is no single placement rule for the whole category.
Key details
Further guidance
Adjectives
Before an adjective, a degree adverb changes intensity: “very useful,” “fairly difficult,” “extremely narrow.”
Adverbs
A degree adverb can modify another adverb: “really quickly,” “quite carefully.”
Not Frequency
Degree answers roughly “to what extent?” whereas frequency answers “how often?” Compare “very carefully” with “often carefully.”
Verbs
Some degree adverbs modify verbs: “I barely heard it,” “They completely changed the plan.”
Worked Example
In “The result is surprisingly clear,” surprisingly comments on the adjective phrase differently from “very clear,” which directly intensifies degree.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Degree adverbs (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Current grammar guidance defines degree adverbs as expressing intensity or degree and shows that they can modify adjectives, verbs and other adverbs.
- Determiners (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Current grammar guidance places possessives within the determiner system alongside articles, demonstratives, quantifiers and numbers.