Adverbs of Degree (e.g.

very, quite)
A. very, quite and a bit
It feels a bit cold in here. Ive got my pullover on.
Its quite cold outside. Youll need a coat if you go out.
It was very cold yesterday. I wore a scarf and gloves.
An adverb of degree makes the meaning stronger (+) or weaker (-):
(++) very cold
(+) quite cold
(-) a bit cold
B. very cold, a bit tired, etc.
An adverb of degree (e.g. very) goes before an adjective (e.g. cold) or an
adverb (e.g. quickly)
Its very cold today. (++)
The time passed
quite quickly. (+)
Im feeling a bit tired. (-)
We have to go fairly soon. (+)
Thats absolutely marvelous. (++)
You played extremely
well. (++)
We can use a lot (++) and much (++) with a comparative.
These tapes are a lot cheaper.
The new trains go much
faster.
Many adverbs of degree (e.g. really) can go with a verb. Most go in mid
position (after an auxiliary but before the main verb).
My foot is really hurting. (++)
Celia quite enjoys
shopping. (+)
I just know youre wrong. (++)
I rather like these
biscuits.
These adverbs go at the end of a sentence when they describe a verb: much,
a lot (++); a little, a bit (-); terribly, awfully (++).
I ride my bike a lot.
Lets rest a little. My foot hurts
terribly.
These words can go in mid or end position: completely, absolutely, totally.
We completely lost our way. OR We lost our way completely.
In a positive statement, we use very much, in a negative very much or
much.
I like this book very much. NOT I like this book much.
I dont like this book very much. OR I dont like this book much.
C. Summary

High degree

WITH
ADJECTIVE,
ADVERB OR
VERB
just, completely,

WITH ADJECTIVE
OR ADVERB
ONLY

WITH VERB OR
COMPARATIVE
ONLY

very, extremely

very much, a lot

very (++)

Some degree
rather (+)
Low degree
a little (-)

absolutely, totally;
really; terribly,
awfully
rather, quite

fairly, pretty

a little, a bit

slightly

not (very) much

Exercises
Put the adverbs in the right place. Sometimes, more than one answer is
correct.
1. (a bit) These books are old.
2. (quite) I like my new job.
3. (a little) Why dont you slow down?
4. (completely) The rain spoilt my day.
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5. (rather) I agreed with the speaker.
6. (fairly) We did the job quickly.
7. (a lot) I feel better now.
8. (a bit) Im getting hungry.
9. (very much) We enjoyed the concert.
10.(terribly) The prisoners suffered.

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