Degree Adverbs and Focus Adverbs Flashcards
Degree adverbs can be used before adjectives, verbs or other adverbs.
Some adverbs are used before the main verb: almost, largely, really, virtually.
Others, are used after the main verb: altogether, enormously, somewhat, tremendously.
They’re extremely happy.
I really hate coffee.
He almost always arrived late.
Focus adverbs make what we say more specific:
especially, even, mainly, mostly, particularly, specifically.
Others, limit what we say:
alone, just, only, simply, solely.
There is likely to be snow today, particularly in the north.
Many people offered to help me invest the money, but I only trusted Rick.
In formal contexts, MUCH can be used as a degree adverb, after I and WE before the verbs: admire, appreciate, enjoy, prefer and regret.
We don’t use in questions.
I much enjoyed having you stay with us.
Their music is much admired.
We can use VERY MUCH before agree, doubt, fear, hope, like, want.
I much prefer seeing films at the cinema than on dvd. (or I very much prefer…)
We very much agree with the decision. (not much agree…).
We can use MUCH or VERY MUCH before a Past Participle part of a passive.
We use VERY MUCH before past participle adjectives, but not MUCH.
We don’t use VERY MUCH or MUCH before Present Participle.
The new by-pass was very much needed.
I was very much surprised by the news. (not much surprised…)
The hotel was (very) welcoming. (not very much welcoming).
In informal contexts, we can use VERY MUCH before appreciate, enjoy, like, look forward to.
I didn’t very much enjoy the film.
Before an adjective or adverb, we use VERY as a HIGH DEGREE, and TOO as MORE THAN ENOUGH.
The weather was very hot in Majorca, perfect for swimming.
It’s too hot to stay in the room.
In informal, we can use not too or not very.
I’m not too bothered about who wins. (not very…)
Even and only go before the word they refer to.
My mother has only brought some food.
Only my mother has brought some food.
Aya can even speak French. (in addition to what she does).
Even Aya can speak French. Aya and other people.
