1. Gradable & Non-gradable Adjectives and Adverbs
 Gradable
When we talk about gradable adverbs or adjectives we refer to those adjectives or
adverbs which intensity might vary.
For example:
It is hot.
It is pretty hot.
It is very hot.
It is hotter.
Hot is a gradable adjective.
Very and pretty are gradable adverbs.

2.  Non-gradable
When we talk about non-gradable adverbs or adjectives we
refer to those adjectives or adverbs which intensity might
not vary. There is not middle ground.
For example:
She is dead.
You do not say
She is pretty dead.
Most non-gradable adjectives are used alone without
intensifiers.
I am unique.

3. Exceptions
 Non-gradable adjectives are sometimes used with non-
grading adverbs (collocations).
I am completely terrified.
It is nearly impossible.
Non-grading adverb Non-graded adjective
Absolutely Awful
Completely Terrified
Totally dead
Mainly Digital

4. Language Notes
 Pretty, fairly and really are used for gradable and non-
gradable adjectives.
 “Quite” might have a different meaning depending on the
adjective.
 Some non-grading adverbs are:
absolutely, almost, completely, entirely, exclusively, fully,
largely, mainly, nearly, perfectly, practically, primarily,
utterly, virtually

5. Emphatic Expressions
Emphatic Expressions are intensifiers used with verb collocations.
For example:
I totally reject your idea.
I utterly refuse to do that!
 These are some examples:
 categorically deny - In no way did I do something.
deeply regret - I am strongly sorry for my actions.
enthusiastically endorse - I happily, and with my whole heart believe in
something.
freely appreciate - I certainly understand something.
fully recognize - I am aware of some situation.
honestly believe - I think something is true without any doubt.
positively encourage - I hope that you do something very strongly.
readily endorse - I believe in something someone else does without
hesitation.
sincerely hope - I honestly want something for someone else.
strongly recommend - I really think you should do something.
totally reject - I refuse to believe or do in any case.
utterly refuse - I completely do not want to do or believe.
Examples taken from http://esl.about.com/od/advancedwriting/a/eexpressions.htm