Intensifying compounds

Words that are used to empower, strengthen a sentence.

Definition intensifiers are adverbs of degree that modify the meaning of verbs adverbs or
adjectives in a sentence. They can either emphasize or downplay the degree or intensity of
something.

If fact if pay attention we will realise that we use intensifying words almost every day to
emphasize our emotions, feelings, sentiments

For instance you may want say that you are happy but you may not be just happy. To show
to what extent you are happy you use intensifiers to express the exact degree of your emotion.

Depending of the intensity of your happiness you would say:

 I am extremely happy.
 I am quite happy
 I’m happy, but I’m not that happy.
 I am not happy at all. Not even a little happy.

Note that the degree of happiness is degrading. Hence, as we can see intensifiers are not only
used to emphasize positively, but also they can also to weaken the expression.

Therefore, intensifiers can be divided into three categories:

Emphasisers strengthen the intensity of adjectives or adverbs.

 Who on earth are you?

 What on earth do you think you are doing?
 Why did I even come here?
 I’m dead serious!!
 I love you to death/die
 Ronaldo is far better than Messi

Downtoners weaken the quality or intensity of the adjective or adverb

 Today I am slightly better than yesterday.

 It is rather cold today is it
 I am not interested at all
 My English is not that good
Expressing of point of view

In life we often come across with situations in which we are obliged to express our points of
view. Knowing different ways of politely expressing our opinions is crucial.

Depending on the environments/circumstances/contexts, we can express our points of view in

a number of ways.

The ways in which we can express our point of view

Expressing agreement

Expressing disagreement

 I see what you mean, however

 I fully acknowledge your opinion, though I really don’t go along with you…
 As far as I’m concerned,…
