Words and
2 Work with a classmate to discuss the meaning
Meanings
1 Check the adjective in each pair to which the adverbs on the left can be applied. 1. a little / intensely / very
cold freezing
2. extremely / slightly / sort of 3. a little / fairly / very
terrified scared dead sick
Hot HotTip Tips Most adjectives have different degrees. They’re called gradable adjectives. Gradable adjectives can have comparative and superlative forms such as long, longer, the longest or busy, busier, the busiest. You can use adverbs such as very, a little, rather, extremely, and slightly with them. My mother was very unhappy with me. It’s a little hot in the living room. Let’s open a window. A few adjectives cannot have comparative and superlative forms and the adverbs above aren’t used with them. (For example, a person is alive. This person can’t be “aliver”.) They are called nongradable adjectives. These adjectives describe something absolute (dead, impossible), extreme (terrified, excellent), or classifying (domestic, digital). A different type of adverb is used with them: nongrading adverbs. These adverbs usually only add extra impact to the adjective. Some of these adverbs are almost, mainly, essentially, virtually, nearly, totally, and completely. The doctors examined the patient. He was dead. Several other victims of the accident were nearly dead. When I saw the chair move, I felt completely terrified.
12
of each word below. Then write G (Gradable adjective) or N (Non-gradable adjective) beside each one. 1. important G
6. chemical
2. perfect
7. unknown
3. awful
8. young
4. rich
9. warm
5. talented
10. enormous
3 Read the sentences, circle the adjectives, and complete the table. 1. My doctor told me to try to stay positive. He felt that would help me live a long life. 2. Your problem might not be physical. It could be psychological. 3. If you’re healthy, then you’ll probably be happy. 4. This medicine will cause a chemical reaction in your body. In a few days, you won’t feel sick. 5. I haven’t read anything like this in scientific journals. This topic is truly unique.
Non-gradable adjectives
Gradable adjectives
positive
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Workbook p. 106
Unit 1
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