Gradable and Ungradable Adjectives for intermediate learners
'Gradable' means being able to put something into different grades. So, What are the differences between gradable and ungradable adjectives?
What Are Gradable and Ungradable Adjectives?
In English, adjectives are divided into two groups based on whether they can be measured or not. Adjectives that can be measured are called gradable adjectives and those that cannot be measured are called ungradable adjectives.
Gradable adjectives are those that can be measured. In other words, they have a point on a scale. 'Hot' and 'cold' are adjectives that can be measured. We can say 'a little cold', 'cold', or 'extremely cold'. Take a look at the following examples:
The weather is a little
It is extremely
Modifying Gradable Adjectives
We can use certain adverbs to strengthen or weaken a gradable adjective. Take a look at the list below:
Now let us see some examples:
It is useful to know that among the adverbs mentioned, 'very' is the most commonly used adverb with gradable adjectives. Let us study the following examples carefully:
This car is
Unlike gradable adjectives, ungradable adjectives cannot be measured. They are either absolute (dead), extreme (boiling), or classifying (nuclear) adjectives. Take a look at the following examples:
Be careful when you want to pour the
As you can see, we cannot say 'a little boiling', or 'very boiling' because boiling is a fixed state.
As I was walking along the pavement, I came across a
Please note that someone cannot be 'a little dead' or 'very dead'.
Modifying Ungradable Adjectives
There are some non-grading adverbs that we can use with ungradable adjectives to add extra meaning to them. Take a look at the list below:
Make sure you study the following examples carefully:
Normally, ungradable adjectives cannot be made weaker or stronger. Study the following examples carefully:
This is a
My grades are
Remember that not all adverbs can be used with all adjectives. You have to pay attention to their collocations.
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