Intensifying Adjectives - Adjectives are essential tools in language, allowing us to describe, modify, and add depth to nouns. Among the various types, intensifying adjectives hold a unique position. These adjectives emphasize or heighten the meaning of the noun they modify, making them a powerful tool for effective communication. In this guide, we will explore intensifying adjectives, their usage, and the rules governing their application.
What Are Intensifying Adjectives?
Intensifying adjectives are words that strengthen or emphasize the meaning of a noun. They are often used to add emotional impact or highlight the extreme nature of a characteristic. These adjectives occur only in the attributive position, meaning they precede the nouns they modify.
For example:
- Sheer madness (emphasizes absolute madness).
- Bloody fool (intensifies the insult).
- Mere jealousy (highlights trivial or minimal jealousy).
Functions of Intensifying Adjectives
1. Enhance Emphasis:
- They amplify the meaning of a noun, making the description more vivid.
- Example: His decision was sheer stupidity.
2. Convey Emotion:
- They often express strong feelings or reactions.
- Example: It’s a bloody mess in here!
3. Highlight Extremes:
- They are used to denote absolute or extreme conditions.
- Example: That was utter nonsense.
Types of Intensifying Adjectives
1. Pure Intensifiers
These adjectives are used to strengthen or emphasize a noun’s quality without changing its meaning.
Examples: sheer, pure, absolute, utter, complete.Usage:
- Sheer determination helped her succeed.
- He was an absolute genius in his field.
2. Negative Intensifiers
These adjectives amplify negative characteristics or connotations.
Examples: bloody, downright, mere, utter.Usage:
- That’s a bloody disgrace!
- It’s mere speculation at this point.
3. Neutral Intensifiers
These adjectives do not carry positive or negative connotations but emphasize the noun.
Examples: full, total, entire.Usage:
- He has my full support.
- The entire team contributed to the project.
Compound Adjectives as Intensifiers
Compound adjectives often serve as intensifiers, especially in attributive positions. These are formed by combining two or more words, usually linked with a hyphen.
Examples:
- A three-legged race (emphasizing the type of race).
- A ten-pound note (highlighting the monetary value).
- A two-time winner (stressing the frequency of winning).
Usage Rules:
- Compound adjectives are generally used attributively (before the noun).
- They provide precise and vivid descriptions.
Fixed Expressions with Intensifying Adjectives
Some attributive adjectives appear in fixed expressions where they come after the noun instead of before it. These are exceptions to the general rule of attributive adjectives.
Examples:
- God almighty
- Court martial
- Secretary General
Explanation:
- In these expressions, the adjective retains its intensifying role but follows the noun due to historical or idiomatic usage.
Examples of Intensifying Adjectives in Sentences
- It was sheer luck that we found the place.
- Don’t listen to that bloody idiot.
- The project was an absolute disaster from the start.
- They awarded a two-time champion the prize.
- That’s utter nonsense; I don’t believe a word of it.
How to Use Intensifying Adjectives Effectively
1. Stick to the Attributive Position
- Intensifying adjectives occur only before the noun they describe.
- Example: Sheer madness gripped the crowd.
2. Choose the Right Context
- Use these adjectives to emphasize emotions, extremes, or particular traits.
- Example: It was a moment of pure joy.
3. Avoid Overuse
- Excessive use of intensifying adjectives can make writing sound overly dramatic or cluttered.
- Better: The speech was compelling.
- Overuse: The speech was utterly amazing and sheer brilliance.
Common Mistakes with Intensifying Adjectives
1. Using Intensifiers Predicatively
- Incorrect: The madness was sheer.
- Correct: It was sheer madness.
2. Misplacing Compound Adjectives
- Incorrect: The winner was two-time.
- Correct: A two-time winner received the award.
3. Overloading Sentences
- Incorrect: It was utter, pure, absolute chaos.
- Correct: It was utter chaos.
FAQs About Intensifying Adjectives
1. What are intensifying adjectives?
Intensifying adjectives emphasize or heighten the meaning of a noun, often occurring only before the noun they modify.
2. Can intensifying adjectives be used after nouns?
No, intensifying adjectives are used exclusively in the attributive position, except in fixed expressions (e.g., God almighty).
3. What are some common intensifying adjectives?
Common examples include sheer, pure, absolute, utter, bloody, mere, and total.
4. How are compound adjectives used as intensifiers?
Compound adjectives like three-legged or two-time provide detailed and precise descriptions in the attributive position.
5. Are intensifying adjectives formal or informal?
It depends on the adjective. Words like sheer and utter are formal, while bloody is informal and often colloquial.
6. How can I avoid overusing intensifying adjectives?
Use them sparingly to maintain balance and clarity in your writing. Overusing them can make your language appear exaggerated or cluttered.
