Adverbs of Degree

Adverbs of degree tell us about the intensity of something. They are usually placed before the adjective, adverb, or verb that they modify.

I was too scared to move forward

The most common adverbs of degree are extremely, quite, just, almost, very, too, enough, etc.

Enough can be used as both an adverb and as a determiner. Enough as an adverb meaning "to the necessary degree" goes after the adjective or adverb that it is modifying. It can be used both in positive and negative sentences.

This bed isn't comfortable enough

Enough is often followed by to + infinitive or for something/something.

They're not old enough to get married
This suit is big enough for Mike

The adverb too has two distinct meanings, each with its own usage patterns. Too as an adverb meaning "also" goes at the end of the phrase it modifies. Too as an adverb meaning "excessively" goes before the adjective or adverb it modifies. It can be used both in positive and negative sentences. Too is often followed by to + infinitive or for something/something.

I'd like to go to the cinema too!
Is he too young to become a president? - No, he isn't too young for that

Note that there is a big difference in meaning between too and very. Very expresses a fact while too suggests that there is a problem.

She speaks very quickly
She speaks too quickly. I can't understand her

Guided Practice

Use adverbs of degree to show the intensity of something. The most common adverbs of degree are extremely, quite, just, almost, very, too, enough etc.

(It/quite/to be/funny/into her/yesterday/twice/to run)

Use enough as an adverb meaning "to the necessary degree". Place it after the adjective or adverb that it modifies.

(This tea/hot/enough/not to be)

Enough is often followed by to + infiniteve or for something/something.

(You/to be mature/to make decisions/enough/for your own sake)

Too as an adverb meaning "also" goes at the end of the phrase it modifies. Too as an adverb meaning "excessively" goes before the adjective or adverb it modifies. It can be used both in positive and negative sentences. Too is often followed by to + infinitive or for something/something.

(I/can/too/to play the guitar)
(Sorry, but this/too/to be/for me to buy/expensive)

Note that there is a big difference in meaning between too and very. Very expresses a fact while too suggests that there is a problem.

(It/to be/outside/hot/very)
(It/hot/to be/too/outside. I/to go out/not to want)

Short Story using Adverbs of Degree

–Katie is incredibly talented! She plays the piano, she sings, and she is learning the violin too!

–Really? That's just amazing! I was never persistent enough to do something like that. I've always thought that mastering these musical instruments is simply impossible.

–Maybe you haven't tried hard enough? She told me that she practices every single day. Can you believe it?

–That's too much for me! I'm too lazy for that.

Independent Practice

Fill in the gaps.

too · really · enough · just · incredibly

We did .................... well on the test. We have the highest scores among the others.
Jim has .................... left before you arrived.
I want to go there .................... ! Don't go without me.
He didn't try hard .................... . He have up .................... quickly.

Restore the word order in the following sentences.

(She/sick/to be/to go to school/too/last week).
(Tom/to leave/rarely/the house).
(you/silly/that/to be)?
(It/nice/to be/rather/to see her/yesterday).
(Look! That lady/stunning/to be/just).

Guided Practice

Short Story using Adverbs of Degree

Independent Practice

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