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Intensifiers Exercise
Choose the correct intensifier for each sentence. Think about whether the intensifier shows something is a little true or very true[citation:4].
Intensifiers are words that modify adjectives, adverbs, or other expressions to change their intensity[citation:4]. They tell us how much or how strongly something happens[citation:4].
Weak Intensifiers
a little tired[citation:4]
slightly hot[citation:4]
somewhat difficult[citation:4]
a bit nervous[citation:4]
Show a small degree
Strong Intensifiers
very excited[citation:4]
really cold[citation:8]
quite difficult[citation:4]
pretty good[citation:5]
Show a noticeable degree
Extreme Intensifiers
absolutely delicious[citation:4]
extremely talented[citation:4]
totally shocked[citation:4]
incredibly difficult[citation:3]
Show the highest degree
Note: Some intensifiers pair specifically with strong adjectives. For example, we say "absolutely awful" not "very awful"[citation:8].
Activity 1: Choose the Correct Intensifier
Select the intensifier that best completes each sentence based on the degree of intensity suggested.
1
Easy
After the marathon, I was ________ exhausted and could barely walk[citation:8].
Extreme Degree
2
Easy
The soup was ________ hot, so I waited a minute before eating it[citation:4].
Weak Degree
3
Medium
That documentary about space was ________ interesting; I learned so much[citation:4].
Strong Degree
Activity 2: Match the Intensity Level
Choose the intensifier that matches the described level of intensity.
4
Medium
A: Are you hungry? B: Hungry? I'm ________ starving![citation:5]
Context: Person B wants to show they are extremely hungry.
5
Medium
A: How was your exam? B: Not good. It was ________ difficult[citation:5].
Context: Person B wants to emphasize a high level of difficulty.
6
Hard
I'm ________ sorry about the mistake; it won't happen again[citation:3].
Context: The speaker wants to show sincere, strong apology.
Activity 3: Correct or Incorrect Usage
Some sentences use intensifiers incorrectly with certain adjectives. Select the correct sentence.
7
Hard
Which sentence uses the intensifier CORRECTLY with the adjective?
8
Hard
Which sentence uses an intensifier INCORRECTLY?
9
Medium
Complete this common expression correctly:
I'm ________ grateful for all your help; thank you so much.
Activity 4: Intensifiers with Specific Adjectives
Some intensifiers pair naturally with particular adjectives[citation:8]. Choose the best pair.
10
Hard
Select the CORRECT intensifier-adjective pair:
11
Medium
The weather in winter can get ________ cold, so wear a heavy coat[citation:8].
12
Hard
Create your own sentence using an appropriate intensifier with a strong adjective:
Example: The news was absolutely devastating.
Key Rules for Using Intensifiers
Intensifiers modify intensity: They come before adjectives or adverbs to show how much or how strongly[citation:4].
Match the degree: Choose weak, strong, or extreme intensifiers based on how true something is[citation:4].
Strong adjectives need specific intensifiers: With adjectives like 'excellent', 'awful', or 'terrible', use 'absolutely', 'completely', or 'utterly', not 'very'[citation:8].
Normal Adjective: very big
Strong Adjective: enormous, huge[citation:8]
Strong Adjective: enormous, huge[citation:8]
Normal Adjective: very good
Strong Adjective: excellent, perfect[citation:8]
Strong Adjective: excellent, perfect[citation:8]
Normal Adjective: very bad
Strong Adjective: awful, terrible[citation:8]
Strong Adjective: awful, terrible[citation:8]
Normal Adjective: very tasty
Strong Adjective: delicious[citation:8]
Strong Adjective: delicious[citation:8]
Specific pairings: Some intensifiers naturally go with particular adjectives (e.g., 'highly intelligent', 'bitterly cold')[citation:8].
Avoid overuse: Using too many intensifiers, especially 'very', can make writing sound weak or exaggerated[citation:3].
Answers & Explanations
Your selection will appear here.
Correct: completely
Explanation: "Exhausted" is a strong adjective. After a marathon, the degree is extreme. We use extreme intensifiers like 'completely' or 'absolutely' with strong adjectives[citation:8].
Your selection will appear here.
Correct: slightly
Explanation: The context ("waited a minute") suggests a low degree of heat. 'Slightly' is a weak intensifier used to soften meaning[citation:4].
Your selection will appear here.
Correct: incredibly
Explanation: The speaker "learned so much," indicating a high degree of interest. 'Incredibly' is a strong/extreme intensifier suitable for this context[citation:4].
Your selection will appear here.
Correct: absolutely
Explanation: "Starving" is an extreme state. 'Absolutely' is an extreme intensifier that pairs naturally with it to emphasize the highest degree[citation:5][citation:8].
Your selection will appear here.
Correct: really
Explanation: The response "Not good" sets a negative tone that requires emphasis. 'Really' is a strong, common intensifier used to emphasize adjectives[citation:5].
Your selection will appear here.
Correct: terribly
Explanation: While 'very' or 'really' could work, 'terribly' is a strong, somewhat formal intensifier often used with apologies ('terribly sorry') to show deep regret[citation:3].
Your selection will appear here.
Correct: B - The movie was absolutely fantastic.
Explanation: "Fantastic" is a strong adjective. We typically use extreme intensifiers like 'absolutely', 'utterly', or 'completely' with strong adjectives, not 'very'[citation:8].
Your selection will appear here.
Correct: C - The test was very impossible to pass.
Explanation: "Impossible" is a non-gradable adjective; something is either possible or impossible. It's illogical to modify it with 'very'. We might say 'completely impossible' or 'virtually impossible'[citation:3].
Your selection will appear here.
Correct: deeply
Explanation: "Deeply" is an intensifier that often pairs with emotional states like 'grateful', 'moved', or 'regret'. It shows a profound degree of feeling[citation:4].
Your selection will appear here.
Correct: B - highly successful
Explanation: 'Highly' pairs naturally with adjectives related to probability, intelligence, and success (e.g., 'highly likely', 'highly intelligent', 'highly successful'). It does not typically pair with taste or humor[citation:8].
Your selection will appear here.
Correct: bitterly
Explanation: 'Bitterly' is a specific intensifier that collocates with 'cold', as well as 'disappointed' and 'unhappy'. It implies an unpleasant, sharp cold[citation:8].
Your selection will appear here.
Assessment: Your sentence will be evaluated for using an appropriate intensifier with a strong adjective (e.g., awful, brilliant, delicious, exhausted).
Example: "The performance was utterly breathtaking." Strong adjectives often need extreme intensifiers (absolutely, completely, utterly) and sound unnatural with 'very'[citation:8].
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