A degree adverb can make a description stronger or softer.

The idea

Put very, quite or rather before an adjective. Very expresses a high degree; quite often means fairly, while rather can suggest an unexpected degree. Meaning depends on context.

Examples

  • The soup is very hot.
  • Mina is quite tired after the walk.
  • The bus was rather late today.
  • Your garden looks very green.
  • The puzzle is quite easy for me.
  • Their new flat is rather small, but comfortable.

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Watch out

Do not confuse quite with quiet: the first modifies an adjective; the second is an adjective meaning not noisy. With some adjectives, quite can mean completely, and its strength can vary between British and American English.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the correct option. The tea is ___ hot; please wait until it cools. (very / vary)

    Show answer or example answer

    very

    very signals that the tea is hot enough to need cooling.

  2. Choose the correct option. The room is ___ quiet. (quite / quiet)

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    quite

    quite modifies the adjective quiet.

  3. Choose the correct option. The journey was ___ long. (rather / rat her)

    Show answer or example answer

    rather

    rather adds a sense that the journey was unexpectedly long.

Use it today

Describe a meal and a journey using different degree adverbs.