6.49 emphasizing adverbs

A group of adverbs of degree are called emphasizing adverbs. These are formed from emphasizing adjectives (see paragraph 2.40).

• absolutely, completely, entirely, just, outright, perfectly, positively, purely, quite, really, simply, totally, truly, utterly

Note that the emphasizing adverb 'outright' has the same form as an adjective, an adverb of manner, and an adverb of degree.

6.50

You use an emphasizing adverb such as 'absolutely', 'just', 'quite', or 'simply' to add emphasis to the action described by a verb. Emphasizing adverbs usually come in front of verbs.

• I quite agree.
• I absolutely agree.
• I just know I'm going to be late.
• I simply adore this flat.

In a verb group, the emphasizing adverb comes after the auxiliary or modal and in front of the verb.

• Someone had simply appeared.
• I was absolutely amazed.

However, 'absolutely' can occasionally be used after verbs as well.

• I agree absolutely with what Geoffrey has said.

For other uses of emphasizing adverbs, see paragraphs 10.85 to 10.86.