We can emphasise the meaning of a statement in many ways.

Emphasizing...

Powerful Adjectives

The choice of a strong adjective is a common device.

  • It's very hot in here. → It's boiling in here.
  • It cost a lot. → The price was exorbitant / astronomical.
  • It's a big problem. → It's a monumental / vast / colossal / gigantic problem.

Collocation

Collocation is important when choosing strong adjectives.

For example, a number of intensifying adjectives close to the meaning of 'complete' collocate with particular nouns but not with others.

  • an eternal optimist
  • a comprehensive defeat
  • sheer stupidity
  • total nonsense
  • utter madness
  • unshakable faith

Adverbs of degree


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