08 Modifying a preposition, a verb and a quantifier.

Question 1

The offices are right in the center of town.

I’m not very up to date, I’m afraid.

Answer 1

Some adverbs of degree can modify a preposition.

Question 2

I’m really enjoying myself.
We were rather hoping to have a look round.
The doorman absolutely refused to let us in.
The suitcase was so heavy I could hardly lift it.

Answer 2

We can use an adverb of degree to modify a verb.

In mid position we can use absolutely, completely, totally; just, really; almost, nearly; hardly, scarcely; quite, rather.

Question 3

I completely forgot the time.

I forgot the time completely.

Answer 3

Absolutely, completely, totally and rather can also go in end position.

Question 4

I just don’t know what to do. The driver almost didn’t see the red light.

Answer 4

I just don’t know what to do. The driver almost didn’t see the red light.

Question 5

The car was badly damaged in the accident.

Our schedule was completely disrupted by the changes.

Answer 5

We often use an adverb of degree before a passive participle.

Question 6

During the speech my attention wandered a lot.

This tooth aches terribly.

Answer 6

Some adverbs go in end position when they modify a verb.

Question 7

I don’t like this sweater much/very much.

I like this sweater very much.

Answer 7

NOT I like this sweater much.

Question 8

There were so many people there.
There were very few people there.
There were too many people there.
There were too little people there.
There were very much people there.

Answer 8

Modifying a quantifier

very/so/too + many/much/few/little

Question 9

There were such a lot of people there.
We’ve had rather a lot of complaints.
There were quite a lot of people there.

Answer 9

Modifying a quantifier

such/rather/quite + a lot (of)

Question 10

We’ve had quite a few complaints.

Answer 10

quite + a few/a bit (of)

quite a few=bastante

Question 11

Almost all the pudding had been eaten.

Nearly every cat is black.

Answer 11

almost/nearly + all/every

Question 12

Would you like a bit more pudding?

Would you like a little more pudding?

Answer 12

a lot/much/a bit/a little/any/no + more/less