B2 – Upper Intermediate
Intensifier
An intensifier makes another word stronger. We usually think of adverbs (like very or extremely), but adjectives can also act as intensifiers in advanced English. They often appear before nouns or in fixed expressions to add emphasis.
Adjectives used for emphasis before nouns
Some adjectives do not add new meaning. They mainly increase intensity.
Common examples:
- complete “It was a complete disaster.”
- total “We had a total failure.”
- absolute “He is an absolute beginner when it comes to using computers.”
- utter “He felt utter shock.“
- pure “That is pure nonsense.”
- sheer “It was sheer luck.”
These adjectives emphasize the noun rather than describe it in detail.
Fixed expressions (strong collocations)
Some intensifying adjectives are only used with certain nouns.
Examples:
- heavy rain (not strong rain)
- deep sleep
- strong opinion
- great importance
These combinations sound natural because they are standard usage.
Adjectives as intensifiers in informal English
In spoken or informal English, adjectives can act like adverbs.
Examples:
- That movie was crazy good.
- I am dead tired.
- This is real easy.
- That was insanely fast. (mixed with adverb form)
This use is common but should be used carefully in formal contexts.
Gradable vs non-gradable adjectives
Some adjectives are already strong (non-gradable), so we use intensifying adjectives instead of very.
Examples:
- absolutely amazing (not very amazing)
- completely exhausted
- totally impossible
These often pair with strong intensifiers like:
- absolutely
- completely
- totally
Subtle meaning differences
Compare:
- a big mistake → normal description
- a terrible mistake → emotional meaning
- a complete mistake → emphasizes totality
Intensifying adjectives often add emotion or emphasis, not just size or quality.
Common errors
incorrect: very complete disaster
correct: a complete disaster
incorrect: totally very tired
correct: completely exhausted / very tired
incorrect: strong rain
correct: heavy rain