6.51 submodifiers

You can use some adverbs of degree in front of other adverbs. When adverbs of degree are used like this they are called submodifiers.

They can also be used as submodifiers in front of adjectives; this use is explained in paragraphs 2.145 to 2.173, where lists of submodifiers and their meanings are also given.

• He prepared his speech very carefully.
• He was having to work awfully hard.
• Things changed really dramatically.
• We get on extremely well with our neighbours.
• We were able to hear everything pretty clearly.
• The paper disintegrated fairly easily.
• He dressed rather formally.
• Every child reacts somewhat differently.

Note that 'moderately' and 'reasonably' are mainly used in front of adverbs which do not end in '-ly'.

• He works reasonably hard.

A few adverbs of degree can be used as submodifiers with comparatives: see the section beginning at paragraph 2.162.

• This could all be done very much more quickly.
• I thanked him again, even more profusely than before.
• I hope you can see slightly more clearly what is going on.

Note that 'still' can also be placed after the comparative.

• They're doing better in some respects now. Of course they've got to do better still.