Basic Intensifiers

Intensifiers are adverbs or adverbial phrases that strengthen the meaning of adjectives or whole expressions and show emphasis.

Some of the most commonly used intensifiers in English language include words like absolutely, completely, extremely, highly, rather, really, so, too, totally, utterly, very and at all.

Rule 1: We can use common intensifiers like very, really and extremely to make adjectives stronger. An intensifier is placed before an adjective it strengthens.

Rule 2: We do not use very with strong adjectives, such as huge (i.e., already very big) or brilliant (i.e., already very smart). With strong adjectives we can use intensifiers like absolutely, completely, totally, quite, utterly, etc.

Rule 3: We use some intensifiers with particular adjectives, depending on their meaning. Generally, you need to use dictionary to find which nouns these intensifiers go with, but here are a few examples:

Rule 4: We use intensifiers much and far with comparative adjectives in front of a noun.

Rule 5: We use intensifiers easily and by far with superlative adjectives in front of a noun.