EXTREME ADJECTIVES

EXTREME Adjectives

What are extreme adjectives?

Most adjectives in English are gradable, which means that we can show their strength through comparatives, superlatives or by using modifiers such as very or quite. Extreme adjectives are non-gradable, and their meaning already includes the modifier “very”.Example: “this cake is very tasty” or “this cake is delicious”. We cannot say “this cake is very delicious“.

Regular adjectivessmall big good bad hot cold clean dirty happy sad

funnyangry scary interesting unusual hungry tasty tired old wet

How can you use extreme adjectives?

1- Do not add comparatives or superlatives. Ex: I am exhausted. BUT This is the most tired I’ve ever been. 2- Use the following modifiers: absolutely, utterly, really or pretty (informal). Do not use other modifiers such as fairly, extremely or very. Ex: The house is utterly filthy. NOT The house is very filthy.

How can you use extreme adjectives?

3- Many common adjectives have more than one extreme adjective. Ex: This building is huge. = This building is massive. My holidays were fantastic. = My holidays were great. 4- Make sure the meaning of the extreme adjective is the same or nearly the same as “very + original adjective”. Many extreme adjectives only refer to one aspect of the non-extreme adjective. Ex: old and ancient

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