subject + be + degree word + adjectivePut the degree word before the adjective: very cold, quite easy, rather noisy, extremely useful, a bit tired.
Adverbs of Degree
A2Use adverbs of degree like very, quite, rather, extremely, and a bit before adjectives to show intensity.
What you'll learn
- Put degree words in the correct place before adjectives.
- Choose a degree word that matches the strength you mean.
- Use a bit for a small amount, often to soften a negative adjective.
- Recognize common degree words in sentences.
Structure
Build a sentence
Degree word
Adjective
verygood
The restaurant is very good.
Put very before the adjective.
When to use
Descriptions
Add intensity when you describe people, places, food, weather, or experiences. The degree word makes the adjective more exact.
Opinions
Use degree words to make opinions clearer: very useful, quite good, rather boring, a bit slow.
Softening
Use a bit to make negative comments softer: a bit tired, a bit noisy, a bit expensive.
Markers
veryquiteratherextremelya bit
In contrast
vs so-such
Degree words change the strength of an adjective: very big, quite nice. So and such often add result or emphasis: so big, such a nice day.
Common mistakes
Wrong
The movie was interesting very.
Correct
The movie was very interesting.
The degree word goes before the adjective, not after it.
Wrong
The coffee is a bit hot. I can't drink it.
Correct
The coffee is extremely hot. I can't drink it.
A bit means a small amount. This situation needs a strong degree word.
Wrong
The exam was a bit difficult. Nobody finished it.
Correct
The exam was extremely difficult. Nobody finished it.
A bit softens the adjective. Here the meaning is very strong, not small.
Wrong
The bag is heavy, so I can't lift it.
Correct
The bag is extremely heavy, so I can't lift it.
When the context shows strong meaning, add a degree word to make the description exact.
Common misconceptions
❝ I can put very or quite anywhere in the sentence if the meaning is clear. ❞
Degree words have a fixed place with adjectives: before the adjective. English does not move them freely.
❝ Very, quite, rather, extremely, and a bit all mean the same thing. ❞
These words show different levels of intensity. Choose the one that matches how strong you want the adjective to sound.
Skills in this rule (5)
PUT_DEGREE_WORD_BEFORE_ADJECTIVEw5Put degree words before the adjective
Use very, quite, rather, extremely, and a bit before an adjective to change its strength. The degree word comes before the adjective, not after it.
CHOOSE_STRONG_OR_SMALL_INTENSITYw5Choose the right degree word for strong or small intensity
Use extremely for very strong meaning, very for strong meaning, quite or rather for medium meaning, and a bit for a small amount. Pick the word that matches how strong the feeling or quality is.
USE_A_BIT_WITH_WEAKER_NEGATIVE_MEANINGw4Use a bit for a small amount, often with a negative idea
Use a bit before adjectives like tired, cold, or expensive when the meaning is small or limited. It often softens a negative description.
PICK_COMMON_DEGREE_MARKERSw3Recognize common degree words
Words like very, quite, rather, extremely, and a bit often signal intensity with adjectives. They answer the idea of how strong or how much.
USE_WITH_ADJECTIVES_IN_REAL_SITUATIONSw4Use degree words with adjectives in everyday situations
Add a degree word to describe people, things, places, or experiences more precisely. This helps you sound more natural than using only a plain adjective.