Understanding Intensifiers and Downtoners

This video tutorial explains the use of intensifiers and downtoners in English. Intensifiers are adverbs that strengthen adjectives and other adverbs, while downtoners weaken them. The tutorial covers high and medium intensity intensifiers, their use with strong adjectives, and the importance of collocations. It concludes with a practice exercise to apply the concepts learned.

What is the primary function of an intensifier in English?

• To replace nouns in a sentence

• To make adjectives and adverbs weaker

• To make adjectives and adverbs stronger

• To change the tense of a sentence

Which of the following sentences uses an intensifier correctly?

• We are extremely hungry.

• We are not hungry.

• We are slightly hungry.

• We are barely hungry.

What is the effect of using a downtoner in a sentence?

• It strengthens the adjective

• It weakens the adjective

• It adds a question

• It changes the subject

Why is it important to learn about intensifiers and downtoners?

• They are only used in poetry

• They are used to form questions

• They add sophistication and emotion to English

• They help in changing the subject of a sentence

Which of the following is a common intensifier?

• Slightly

• Very

• Barely

• Hardly

Which of these is a high-intensity intensifier?

• Somewhat

• Fairly

• Absolutely

• Slightly

Which sentence uses a medium-intensity intensifier?

• It was pretty relaxing.

• It was extremely difficult.

• It was barely noticeable.

• It was absolutely amazing.

Which of the following is a downtoner?

• Incredibly

• Fairly

• Absolutely

• Extremely

Which intensifier is appropriate for strong adjectives?

• Absolutely

• Really

• Very

• Slightly

What is the effect of using 'ever' with WH-words?

• It adds disapproval and strength

• It weakens the sentence

• It makes the sentence a question

• It changes the tense