Gradable and ungradable adjectives

Front

What is a gradable adjective?

Back

A gradable adjective is an adjective that can express varying degrees of a quality, meaning it can be measured or modified by adverbs such as 'very', 'a little', or 'extremely'.

Front

What is an ungradable adjective?

Back

An ungradable adjective describes a quality that cannot vary in intensity or degree, often representing absolute states, such as 'dead', 'perfect', or 'unique'.

Front

Give an example of a gradable adjective.

Back

'Cold' is a gradable adjective. You can say 'a little cold', 'very cold', or 'extremely cold'.

Front

Give an example of an ungradable adjective.

Back

'Unique' is an ungradable adjective. It cannot be modified to express different degrees.

Front

What modifiers can be used with gradable adjectives?

Back

Modifiers like 'very', 'quite', 'a little', and 'extremely' can be used with gradable adjectives.

Front

What modifiers are appropriate for ungradable adjectives?

Back

Only absolute modifiers like 'totally' or 'completely' can be used with ungradable adjectives.

Front

Can you use 'very' with the adjective 'perfect'? Why or why not?

Back

No, you cannot use 'very' with 'perfect' because 'perfect' is an ungradable adjective.

Front

What is the difference between 'a little' and 'very' when used with gradable adjectives?

Back

'A little' indicates a small degree, while 'very' indicates a high degree of the quality.

Front

Is 'extremely' a suitable modifier for the adjective 'ancient'?

Back

Yes, 'extremely' is a suitable modifier for 'ancient' as it is a gradable adjective.

Front

What is the role of adverbs in modifying adjectives?

Back

Adverbs modify adjectives to indicate the degree or intensity of the quality described by the adjective.