Are you looking to add an extra punch to your English vocabulary? Do you want to convey your thoughts and feelings with more depth and flair? Well, you’re in the right place! In this guide, we’ll explore how to use intensifiers with adjectives. Whether you’re an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) or English as a Second Language (ESL) learner, mastering intensifiers will take your language skills to the next level. Let’s dive in!
What are Intensifiers and Why Are They Important?
Intensifiers are words that magnify the strength or degree of an adjective, helping you convey a more precise and vivid image of what you’re describing. They add nuance and emotion to your language, making your speech and writing more captivating. Imagine saying something is “very good” versus “absolutely fantastic” – the latter conveys a much stronger sense of enthusiasm, right?
Common Intensifiers and How to Use Them:
- Very: This is one of the most basic and commonly used intensifiers. It can be used with a wide range of adjectives.
- Example 1: The sunset was very beautiful, with vibrant hues of orange and pink painting the sky.
- Example 2: She was feeling very tired after running a marathon.
- Extremely: This intensifier emphasizes a high degree of the adjective.
- Example 1: The weather was extremely hot, and people sought shelter from the scorching sun.
- Example 2: The movie’s plot was extremely intricate, requiring multiple viewings to fully understand.
- Really: Similar to “very,” “really” is another versatile intensifier.
- Example 1: I’m really excited about the upcoming vacation; I can’t wait to explore new places.
- Example 2: The dish was really delicious, with a perfect balance of flavors.
- Incredibly: This intensifier conveys a sense of amazement or astonishment.
- Example 1: The acrobat’s performance was incredibly daring, leaving the audience in awe.
- Example 2: The technological advancements over the past decade have been incredibly rapid.
- Quite: This can sometimes be used to soften the intensity of an adjective while still adding emphasis.
- Example 1: The museum’s architecture is quite interesting, blending modern and traditional styles.
- Example 2: Her speech was quite persuasive, swaying many opinions in the audience.
- Absolutely: This intensifier adds a sense of certainty or completeness.
- Example 1: The view from the mountaintop was absolutely stunning, stretching as far as the eye could see.
- Example 2: It’s absolutely essential to follow safety guidelines while working with chemicals.
- Totally: Similar to “absolutely,” “totally” emphasizes completeness or entirety.
- Example 1: I’m totally exhausted after the long day of hiking and exploring.
- Example 2: The concert was totally worth the wait; the band’s performance was outstanding.
- Utterly: This intensifier indicates a complete and extreme state.
- Example 1: The destruction caused by the hurricane was utterly devastating, leaving entire communities in ruins.
- Example 2: His reaction was utterly surprising, as he had kept his plans a secret from everyone.
- Unbelievably: This intensifier expresses astonishment or disbelief.
- Example 1: The magician’s tricks were unbelievably impressive, leaving the audience in disbelief.
- Example 2: She had an unbelievably lucky streak at the casino, winning several jackpots in a row.
- Terribly: This can be used to emphasize a negative quality.
- Example 1: I felt terribly sorry for accidentally breaking her favorite vase.
- Example 2: The news of the accident was terribly shocking to everyone who knew him.
- So: This intensifier is often used in informal speech and writing.
- Example 1: I’m so happy that my best friend is coming to visit this weekend.
- Example 2: The concert was so amazing that the crowd couldn’t stop cheering.
- Too: This intensifier indicates excessiveness.
- Example 1: The music was too loud, making it difficult to have a conversation.
- Example 2: The room was too crowded to comfortably move around during the event.
- Exceptionally: This intensifier denotes an exceptional or extraordinary quality.
- Example 1: Her performance in the play was exceptionally captivating, earning her a standing ovation.
- Example 2: The restaurant’s food was exceptionally good, with each dish bursting with flavor.
- Highly: This intensifier suggests a high degree of the adjective.
- Example 1: He is highly motivated to succeed in his career and is always seeking new challenges.
- Example 2: The book comes highly recommended by many renowned literary critics.
- Intensely: This intensifier emphasizes a strong and deep quality.
- Example 1: The competition in the final match was intensely fierce, with both teams giving their all.
- Example 2: Her dedication to her craft is intensely admirable; she spends hours practicing every day.
It’s important to note that the choice of intensifier can impact the tone and strength of your description. The appropriate intensifier will depend on the context and the level of emphasis you want to convey.
Intensifiers with Strong Adjectives
Intensifiers used with strong adjectives often carry a sense of magnitude, emphasis, or extremity that might not be as relevant or appropriate for weaker adjectives. Here are some intensifiers that are commonly used with strong adjectives and may not be as commonly used with weaker adjectives:
- Absolutely: Adding Emphasis and Certainty.
- Example 1: The performance was absolutely electrifying, leaving the audience in awe.
- Example 2: Her dedication to the project was absolutely unwavering, evident in her meticulous work.
- Truly: Enhancing Authenticity and Genuineness.
- Example 1: The painting was truly breathtaking, showcasing the artist’s mastery of color and form.
- Example 2: Their love story was truly heartwarming, touching the hearts of everyone who heard it.
- Unquestionably: Removing Doubt and Asserting Certainty.
- Example 1: His bravery was unquestionably commendable, as he risked his life to save others.
- Example 2: The impact of the invention was unquestionably profound, revolutionizing the industry.
- Incredibly: Conveying Amazement and Astonishment.
- Example 1: The sunset was incredibly vibrant, with shades of pink, orange, and gold.
- Example 2: Her resilience was incredibly inspiring, overcoming obstacles with determination.
- Exceedingly: Emphasizing Surpassing Expectations.
- Example 1: The actor’s performance was exceedingly powerful, evoking strong emotions in the audience.
- Example 2: The mountain’s peak was exceedingly challenging to reach, requiring expert climbing skills.
- Remarkably: Highlighting Exceptional Quality.
- Example 1: The scientist made a remarkably insightful discovery, advancing our understanding of the universe.
- Example 2: The transformation in her appearance was remarkably dramatic, astonishing everyone.
- Intensely: Adding Depth and Strength.
- Example 1: The storm’s fury was intensely frightening, causing widespread destruction.
- Example 2: His passion for social justice burned intensely, driving him to create positive change.
- Profoundly: Emphasizing Deep Impact or Significance.
- Example 1: The poem’s message was profoundly moving, leaving a lasting impression on the readers.
- Example 2: The mentor’s wisdom had a profoundly positive effect on the young artist’s technique.
- Unreservedly: Conveying Strong and Complete Endorsement.
- Example 1: I admire her unreservedly for her unwavering commitment to charitable causes.
- Example 2: His support was unreservedly heartfelt, offering a helping hand without hesitation.
- Excessively: Highlighting Extremes or Excesses.
- Example 1: The critique of the novel was excessively harsh, overlooking its intricate narrative.
- Example 2: Her reaction was excessively emotional, bursting into tears of joy.
- Astoundingly: Conveying Stunned Amazement.
- Example 1: The athlete’s performance was astoundingly flawless, breaking multiple records.
- Example 2: The advancements in technology were astoundingly rapid, reshaping industries.
- Undeniably: Asserting Incontrovertible Truth.
- Example 1: The movie’s impact on pop culture was undeniably significant, influencing generations.
- Example 2: The sculpture’s beauty was undeniably captivating, drawing crowds of admirers.
- Unbelievably: Expressing Astonishment or Disbelief.
- Example 1: The transformation of the urban landscape was unbelievably impressive, revitalizing the city.
- Example 2: The musician’s talent was unbelievably prodigious, astounding even seasoned professionals.
- Extraordinarily: Emphasizing Extraordinary Quality.
- Example 1: The architecture was extraordinarily innovative, pushing the boundaries of design.
- Example 2: The performance was extraordinarily compelling, leaving the audience in rapt attention.
- Supremely: Suggesting the Pinnacle of Excellence.
- Example 1: Her dedication to her craft was supremely admirable, leading to a masterful body of work.
- Example 2: The chef’s culinary skills were supremely impressive, creating exquisite and memorable dishes.
Using these intensifiers thoughtfully with strong adjectives can enhance the impact of your descriptions while maintaining a balanced and authentic tone in your writing.
Putting It All Together: Examples in Context
- Instead of saying “The party was fun,” you can say “The party was incredibly fun.”
- Transform “He’s good at playing guitar” into “He’s absolutely fantastic at playing guitar.”
- Elevate “She’s a skilled dancer” to “She’s an unbelievably skilled dancer.”
A Note of Caution:
While intensifiers can greatly enhance your language, remember that less is often more. Using too many intensifiers in a single sentence can make your speech sound exaggerated or insincere. Choose the intensifier that best fits the situation and the level of emphasis you want to convey.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Expressions with Intensifiers
Intensifiers are like the seasoning that takes your English vocabulary from bland to flavorful. By incorporating them into your conversations and writing, you’ll be able to express yourself more vividly and engagingly. Whether you’re discussing your favorite movie, describing a remarkable sunset, or praising a friend’s skills, intensifiers will help you convey your emotions and thoughts with precision and impact. So, don’t hesitate to sprinkle these little power-packed words into your language arsenal – your English will shine brighter than ever before!
