Intensifiers and softeners
Control the strength of what you say: absolutely, utterly, remarkably, fairly, somewhat, a touch, slightly — gradable vs ungradable adjectives.
In this lesson you will
- Use intensifiers with gradable and ungradable adjectives
- Soften criticism and requests
- Use emphatic devices
Learn
Gradable adjectives (cold, tired, big) take very, extremely, fairly, rather, slightly. Ungradable/extreme ones (freezing, exhausted, huge, perfect) take absolutely, utterly, completely, totally: absolutely freezing ✓, very freezing ✗. Really and pretty work with both.
Stronger intensifiers: remarkably, exceptionally, incredibly, deeply, thoroughly (enjoyed). Emphatic devices: do/did (I did* tell you), the very…* (the very best), by far (by far the most), whatsoever (no doubt whatsoever).
Softeners: slightly, somewhat, a little, a bit, rather, not particularly, not entirely, not the most… : The report is not entirely* accurate. He can be a touch impatient.*
Diplomacy: softeners make criticism acceptable: That’s a little* higher than we expected* (= too expensive).
Examples
- The view was absolutely breathtaking.
- I thoroughly enjoyed the evening.
- The design is not entirely convincing.
- This is by far the best offer we’ve received.
Vocabulary
gradable
can be more or less (e.g. cold)
ungradable
extreme or absolute (e.g. freezing)
thoroughly
completely
whatsoever
at all (emphatic)
a touch
slightly
Practice
It’s ___ freezing outside!
Speaking
Review a film, meal or trip twice: first enthusiastically with strong intensifiers, then diplomatically with softeners.
Writing
Write a diplomatic email (120–150 words) giving feedback on a colleague’s draft report, softening three criticisms.
Lesson quiz
___ exhausted
Review
Key points
- Gradable + very/extremely; extreme + absolutely/utterly.
- Emphatic: do/did, by far, whatsoever.
- Softeners: slightly, not entirely, a touch.
- Soften criticism diplomatically.
What you learned
- ✓ I control intensity.
- ✓ I pair intensifiers correctly.
- ✓ I soften criticism.
Grammar reference: Adjectives: position and order, Adverbs: manner and frequency