Gradable and Non-Gradable Adjectives helps you communicate about precise expression of degree. Start with the meaning, notice the pattern, and then use it in complete sentences.
By the end of this lesson, you can
- I can match degree modifiers to gradable and non-gradable adjectives.
- Recognise and build the form: very/fairly + gradable; absolutely/completely + extreme/non-gradable.
- Use the pattern accurately in a meaningful sentence.
Meaning and use
Use Gradable and Non-Gradable Adjectives for precise expression of degree. Always read the whole situation before choosing the form: grammar expresses a meaning, not only a pattern.
The water is very cold today.
'Cold' is gradable and can be modified by 'very'.
The water is absolutely freezing.
'Freezing' is an extreme adjective and commonly takes 'absolutely'.
The answer is completely correct.
'Correct' is normally non-gradable and combines with 'completely'.
very/fairly + gradable; absolutely/completely + extreme/non-gradableKeep this pattern visible while you study the examples. Then cover it and rebuild one example from memory.
Key rules to notice
These rules explain why the form is correct. Focus on the subject, auxiliary, verb form, word order and time or meaning clues.
- 'Cold' is gradable and can be modified by 'very'.
- 'Freezing' is an extreme adjective and commonly takes 'absolutely'.
- 'Correct' is normally non-gradable and combines with 'completely'.
- 'Good' is gradable and can be intensified by 'really'.
- Use an absolute intensifier with the extreme adjective 'amazing'.
Common mistakes
Not:The water is absolutely freezing cold today.
Use:The water is very cold today.
'Cold' is gradable and can be modified by 'very'.
Not:The water is very freezing.
Use:The water is absolutely freezing.
'Freezing' is an extreme adjective and commonly takes 'absolutely'.
Not:The answer is very correct.
Use:The answer is completely correct.
'Correct' is normally non-gradable and combines with 'completely'.
Check before you practise
Complete each sentence mentally, then reveal the answer.
The film was ____ good.
really
'Good' is gradable and can be intensified by 'really'.
The performance was ____ amazing.
absolutely
Use an absolute intensifier with the extreme adjective 'amazing'.
I am ____ tired after the walk.
quite
'Tired' is gradable and can take 'quite'.