Intensifiers: Very, Really, Quite 💥

Intensifiers are words we put before adjectives and adverbs to make them stronger or weaker. At A1 level, the three most important ones are very, really, and quite. 🎯

1. Quick Reference Table 📋

Intensifier	Strength	Meaning	Example
very	⬆⬆⬆ Strong	more than normal	The film was very good.
really	⬆⬆⬆⬆ Very strong	even more than very (informal)	I am really tired today.
quite	⬆⬆ Moderate	more than a little, but not very	The test was quite difficult.

2. VERY: Strong Intensifier ⬆⬆⬆

Use very to make an adjective or adverb stronger. It is used in both formal and informal English:

• The weather is very hot today. ✅
• She speaks English very well. ✅
• It is very cold outside. Please wear a coat. ✅
• I am not very hungry. I had a big lunch. ✅ (negative = not very)

3. REALLY: Even Stronger (Informal) ⬆⬆⬆⬆

Use really to add extra emphasis. It is more informal and more emotional than very:

• That was really delicious! ✅
• I am really sorry about that. ✅
• He works really hard. ✅
• Really can also go before a verb: I really like this song. ✅

4. QUITE: Moderate Intensifier ⬆⬆

Use quite to mean more than a little, but not very. It softens the adjective slightly:

• The film was quite good. (= better than average, but not amazing) ✅
• It is quite far from here. You should take the bus. ✅
• She is quite tall for her age. ✅

5. Position: Always Before the Adjective or Adverb 📌

✅ Correct	❌ Wrong
It is very cold.	It is cold very.
She is really kind.	She is kind really.
He drives quite slowly.	He drives slowly quite.
I really like this. (before verb)	I like really this.

6. Not Very vs Not Really ❌

• I am not very good at maths. (= I am below average) ✅
• I do not really like coffee. (= I don't like it much, informal) ✅
• It is not very far. (= it is close) ✅

Ready to practice? Let's go! 🚀