Gradable and ungradable adjectives

Which of the following pairs correctly matches a gradable adjective with an appropriate adverb?

• a) Very useless

• b) Quite happy

• c) Absolutely comfortable

• d) Completely angry

Which sentence uses an ungradable adjective correctly?

• a) The task was very invaluable.

• b) The scenery was absolutely amazing.

• c) He felt quite furious.

• d) She is completely big.

Choose the correct sentence:

• a) The meal was very awful.

• b) The report is quite important.

• c) She is absolutely comfortable.

• d) The room is completely big.

Choose the correct sentence:

• a) The movie was totally boring.

• b) The book is quite interesting.

• c) He is absolutely tired.

• d) The game is completely easy.

Which sentence uses an ungradable adjective correctly?

• a) The project was very invaluable.

• b) The performance was absolutely outstanding.

• c) She felt quite happy.

• d) He is completely tall.

Which of the following pairs correctly matches a gradable adjective with an appropriate adverb?

• a) Very useless

• b) Quite satisfied

• c) Absolutely comfortable

• d) Completely sad

Which adjective is ungradable?

• a) Big

• b) Comfortable

• c) Important

• d) Furious

Ungradable adjectives imply...

• a) varying degrees of a quality.

• b) an absolute state or quality.

• c) a temporary condition.

Answer explanation

Ungradable adjectives describe an absolute state or quality, meaning they do not vary in intensity.

Which adverbs can be used with both gradable and ungradable adjectives?

• a) Very and quite

• b) Extremely and fairly

• c) Really and pretty

• d) Absolutely and utterly

Answer explanation

"Really" and "pretty" can be used with both gradable and ungradable adjectives, as in "really happy" (gradable) and "really amazing" (ungradable), or "pretty big" (gradable) and "pretty useless" (ungradable).

Question 9

Which adjective is gradable?

• a) Useless

• b) Invaluable

• c) Comfortable

• d) Awful