This unit covers a class of words (adverbs and adverbial phrases) that add emphasis to an expression, such as very, at all, completely, extremely, and absolutely.
Intensifiers are adverbs or adverbial phrases that lend extra emphasis to or strengthen expressions. Intensifiers can only modify adjectives, adverbs and verbs. Some common intensifiers include: really, very, extremely and incredibly.
Other intensifiers are:
absolutely, amazingly, awfully, completely, dreadfully, exceptionally, fairly, insanely, particularly, pretty, quite, remarkably, terribly, totally, unusually, and utterly (note that fairly, pretty and quite are weaker than very and often soften an adjective rather than strengthen it)
Some intensifiers are only used with specific adjectives or adverbs. These include “highly,” “dangerously,” “seriously,” “critically” and “bitterly.”
Examples:
The car passed dangerously close to the cyclist.
Fred was critically ill for several weeks.
The hail seriously damaged my car.
This is a highly unusual case.
Last winter was bitterly cold.
In addition, certain intensifiers are used for comparative forms of adjectives. These are:
-a fair bit
-a good/great deal
-a lot
-far
-much
-quite a lot
Examples:
We are a good deal farther along than I first thought.
Sydney is a lot better than me at painting.
Thomas is much faster than Rodney.
They are a fair bit more experienced in marketing matters.
Air travel is quite a lot more expensive than road travel.