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Gradable Adjectives – Quiz 1
Gradable Adjectives Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the understanding of gradable adjectives, including their comparative and superlative forms, intensifiers, and the distinction between gradable and non-gradable adjectives. It also assesses skills in expressing certainty and degree, emphasizing emotions, and modifying adjectives with appropriate intensifiers.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
She was ..... thrilled to receive the award.
A) Really.
B) Somewhat.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The adjectives "really" and "somewhat" are gradable, meaning they can be modified to indicate a greater or lesser degree of the quality they describe. In this context, "thrilled" is also a gradable adjective, as it can vary in intensity. The word "really" directly modifies "thrilled," indicating a high level of excitement about receiving the award.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Really" intensifies the degree to which she is thrilled.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Somewhat" would imply a lesser degree of thrill, not matching the context.
Option C:
Incorrect. "All the above" cannot be correct because only one option (A) fits grammatically and contextually.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
2.
What's the non-gradable adjective for interesting?
A) Wonderful.
B) Delighted.
C) Fascinating.
D) Amazing.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A non-gradable adjective is one that does not compare in terms of degree and cannot be modified by comparative or superlative forms (e.g., more, less, most, least). "Fascinating" fits this description as it describes something with a high level of interest without degrees. Therefore, the correct answer is C) Fascinating.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Wonderful can be compared (more wonderful).
Option B:
Delighted expresses a feeling and cannot be used as an adjective to describe something interesting.
Option C:
Fascinating is non-gradable, meaning it does not compare in degree.
Option D:
Amazing can also be compared (more amazing).
3.
He was ..... excited about the trip.
A) Slightly.
B) Extremely.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "He was ..... excited about the trip" requires a word that describes the degree of excitement. The claimed correct answer, "B) Extremely," is appropriate because it indicates a high level of enthusiasm or strong emotion, which fits well with describing someone's feelings about a trip.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Slightly - This would imply a low degree of excitement, not matching the context.
Option B:
Extremely - Correctly indicates a high level of enthusiasm or emotion.
Option C:
All the above - Incorrect as "extremely" is more specific and appropriate than simply saying all options apply.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect because "extremely" fits well in this context.
4.
The summers are ..... hot.
A) Extremely.
B) Absolutely.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Gradable adjectives describe qualities that can be compared in degree, such as "hot." The phrase "extremely hot" indicates a high degree of heat, which is appropriate for describing summer weather. "Absolutely" is also used to indicate certainty or intensity but not necessarily the degree of an adjective.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Extremely" is a gradable adjective that intensifies the meaning of "hot."
Option B:
Incorrect. While "absolutely" can be used to emphasize, it does not necessarily indicate degree in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. "All the above" is incorrect because only one option (A) is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. Option A is indeed correct.
5.
Choose the correct sentence with a gradable adjective:
A) She is very unique.
B) This movie is absolutely terrible.
C) The weather is quite cold today.
D) He is totally dead.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Gradable adjectives can be modified by degree words such as "quite," "very," and "slightly." The correct answer,
Option C) The weather is quite cold today.
, uses the gradable adjective "cold" with the modifier "quite."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Unique" is an ungradable adjective; it does not take degree modifiers.
Option B:
"Terrible" can be modified by "absolutely," but this usage implies a complete lack of value, making the sentence somewhat absolute rather than gradable.
Option C:
Correct; uses a gradable adjective with a degree modifier.
Option D:
"Dead" is an ungradable adjective and cannot be modified by "totally."
6.
I'm ..... late. I'm so sorry!
A) Completely.
B) Very.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B) Very is correct because "very" is used to modify gradable adjectives, which describe qualities that can be compared in degree. In the sentence "I'm very late," "late" is a gradable adjective indicating a state or condition that can vary in intensity.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Completely does not fit here as it implies an absolute state, which contradicts the idea of varying degrees.
Option B:
Very is correct for modifying gradable adjectives like "late."
Option C:
All the above is incorrect because only "very" fits in this context.
Option D:
None of the above is wrong since option B is correct.
7.
I really like this chicken dish-it's ..... nice.
A) Very.
B) Absolutely.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is correct because "very" can be used to intensify the adjective "nice," making it a suitable choice for expressing strong agreement with how nice the chicken dish is.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Very" is an adverb that intensifies the gradable adjective "nice."
Option B:
Incorrect. "Absolutely" is also a strong intensifier, but it's not as commonly used in this context compared to "very."
Option C:
Incorrect. Both "very" and "absolutely" are correct, so this option does not apply here.
Option D:
Incorrect. At least one of the given options is correct.
8.
In real life, it was ..... tiny.
A) Very.
B) Really.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The adjectives "very" and "really" are both gradable adjectives, which means they can be modified by intensifiers such as "much," "too," "so," etc., to indicate a higher or lower degree. In the given sentence, "Very tiny" would not fit grammatically because "tiny" is an adjective that does not require another modifier for emphasis in this context. Therefore, "really" is correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Very - Incorrect; "very" is not needed with "tiny."
Option B:
Really - Correct; "really" can be used to emphasize the degree of "tiny."
Option C:
All the above - Incorrect; only "really" fits.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect; "really" is correct.
9.
His speech was ..... remarkable.
A) Very.
B) Absolutely.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because "Absolutely" intensifies the adjective "remarkable," emphasizing the extent to which his speech was remarkable. This usage aligns with the concept of gradable adjectives, where we can modify or intensify their meaning using adverbs like "absolutely."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Very" is a common intensifier but not as strong as "Absolutely." It would be less emphatic.
Option B:
"Absolutely" strongly emphasizes the adjective, making it correct in this context.
Option C:
"All the above" includes both "Very" and "Absolutely," but since "Very" is not as strong, it's not fully accurate here. "Absolutely" alone is more precise.
Option D:
"None of the above" is incorrect because "Absolutely" is a valid choice.
10.
Gradable or Non-gradable:PLEASED .....
A) Gradable.
B) Non-gradable.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Gradable adjectives can be modified by degrees, meaning they can express varying levels of the quality they describe. For example, "pleased" can range from slightly pleased to extremely pleased. This flexibility in degree makes "PLEASED" a gradable adjective.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "PLEASED" is a gradable adjective as it can vary in intensity.
Option B:
Incorrect. "PLEASED" cannot be considered non-gradable since it allows for different degrees of pleasure.
Option C:
Incorrect. "PLEASED" does not fit this option because it is gradable, not all types of adjectives.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
11.
Non gradable adjectives
A) Low.
B) Fast.
C) Dark.
D) Delicious.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Non-gradable adjectives are those that cannot be modified by comparative or superlative forms, nor can they be used with words like "very" or "too." The adjective "delicious" is gradable because it can be intensified using such modifiers. For example, we can say "more delicious," "most delicious," and "very delicious."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Low - This adjective can be used with comparative forms (lower) and intensifiers (very low), making it gradable.
Option B:
Fast - This adjective is also gradable as it can be modified by comparatives (faster, fastest) and intensifiers (very fast).
Option C:
Dark - This adjective is gradable; we can use comparative forms (darker) and intensifiers (very dark).
Option D:
Delicious - This adjective is the correct answer because it cannot be used with comparatives or superlatives, nor can it be intensified by words like "very." It is non-gradable.
12.
The interactive museum was ..... fascinating.
A) A bit.
B) A little.
C) Absolutely.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The adjective "absolutely" is used to emphasize the degree of a quality, making it gradable. In this context, "Absolutely fascinating" conveys that the museum was extremely interesting without any doubt. This aligns with the intended meaning and usage.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"A bit" suggests only a small degree of fascination, which does not match the strong emphasis implied by the sentence.
Option B:
"A little" also implies a minor level of interest, inconsistent with the intended meaning.
Option C:
"Absolutely" is correct as it emphasizes the high degree of fascination, fitting well in this context.
Option D:
"None of the above" is incorrect since "Absolutely" is a valid choice.
13.
Peter is absolutely ..... with Sara today
A) Furious.
B) Mad.
C) Annoyed.
D) Angry.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Furious is the correct answer because it indicates a higher degree of anger than simply being mad, annoyed, or angry. The word "furious" conveys intense rage or indignation, which fits well with the phrase "absolutely," suggesting Peter's state of mind towards Sara is one of extreme displeasure.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Indicates a high degree of anger.
Option B:
Too mild; not as intense as the context suggests.
Option C:
Less intense than furious, more about irritation.
Option D:
Also less intense than furious, more general.
14.
Which is an extreme adjective?
A) Pretty.
B) Beautiful.
C) Nice.
D) Gorgeous.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Gorgeous is an extreme adjective because it conveys a very strong and intense form of beauty, which makes it more extreme compared to other options like "pretty," "beautiful," or "nice."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Pretty - This adjective is moderate in its expression of beauty.
Option B:
Beautiful - While strong, this term is generally considered more neutral than gorgeous.
Option C:
Nice - This adjective can describe pleasant qualities but does not convey extreme intensity related to appearance or quality as much as "gorgeous."
Option D:
Gorgeous - This adjective is used to express a very high degree of beauty, making it the most extreme among the choices.
15.
My brother's absolutely ..... He wants to be a surgeon.
A) Smart.
B) Intelligent.
C) Clever.
D) Brilliant.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The adjective "brilliant" is a superlative form, indicating the highest degree of quality or ability. In this context, it emphasizes that the brother's intelligence and potential are exceptional, making him highly suitable for a career as a surgeon.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Smart" is a general term but not as strong as "brilliant." It does not convey the same level of excellence.
Option B:
"Intelligent" is also a good choice, but it is more neutral and less emphatic than "brilliant."
Option C:
"Clever" suggests quick thinking or resourcefulness but does not convey the same level of intelligence as "brilliant." It may be too casual for such an important career path.
Option D:
"Brilliant" is correct because it conveys exceptional intelligence and aptitude, making it the best choice to describe someone aspiring to become a surgeon.
16.
These photos are very .....
A) Georgeous.
B) Good.
C) Perfect.
D) Excellent.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Gradable adjectives describe qualities that can be compared and modified by words like "very." In the given sentence, "These photos are very...." requires an adjective that fits this context.
Option B) Good is correct because it is a gradable adjective that can be intensified with "very."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Georgeous is not a standard English word and does not fit the context of gradable adjectives.
Option B:
Good fits as it is a gradable adjective that can be intensified with "very."
Option C:
Perfect, while positive, cannot be directly modified by "very" in this context without sounding awkward or unnatural.
Option D:
Excellent is also a good option but less common than "good" in everyday speech and writing. However, it still fits the criteria of being gradable.
17.
Tom was absolutetly ..... when he discovered the truth.
A) Furious.
B) Angry.
C) Upset.
D) Bothered.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "Furious" is the most appropriate choice because it indicates a high level of anger, which aligns with the intensity implied by the phrase "absolutely." This adjective conveys a stronger emotion than simply being angry or upset and fits well in the context of discovering the truth.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Indicates extreme anger.
Option B:
Too mild; "angry" is less intense than "furious."
Option C:
Less intense than "furious"; indicates sadness or distress, not necessarily anger.
Option D:
Not specific enough to convey the intensity of the situation.
18.
I couldn't go through because the streets were crowded.
A) Awful.
B) Packed.
C) Enormous.
D) Boiling.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B) Packed is correct because "packed" is a gradable adjective that accurately describes the crowded state of the streets, indicating they were filled to capacity with people.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Awful does not fit as it implies something unpleasant or bad, which is not necessarily implied by being crowded.
Option B:
Packed correctly describes the crowded state of the streets.
Option C:
Enormous suggests something extremely large in size, which may not be applicable to describing a street's crowd density.
Option D:
Boiling is too intense and typically used for liquids or situations of extreme heat, not appropriate for describing crowds.
19.
The weather is ..... hot here, but at night it gets cold.
A) Absolutely.
B) Quite.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Quite" is used to modify gradable adjectives, indicating a moderate degree of the quality described by the adjective. In this context, "quite hot" suggests that the temperature is noticeably warm but not extremely so. This fits well with the statement where it's very hot during the day and cold at night.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Absolutely" is an absolute adjective modifier, indicating certainty or total degree, which doesn't fit the context of a moderate temperature change.
Option B:
"Quite" correctly indicates a moderate degree of heat, fitting the scenario where it's hot during the day but cold at night.
Option C:
"All the above" is incorrect because not all options fit the context; only "quite" does so appropriately.
Option D:
"None of the above" is incorrect as "quite" fits the context well.
20.
When the pilot announced that the plane was on fire we were ..... terrified !
A) Very.
B) Absolutely.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Absolutely terrified" is the correct choice because "absolutely" intensifies the adjective "terrified," emphasizing the extent of fear experienced by the passengers. This intensifier fits well with the severity implied by a plane fire situation, making it more appropriate than just "very."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Very is a moderate intensifier but does not emphasize the extreme nature of the situation as effectively as "absolutely."
Option B:
Absolutely correctly emphasizes the intense fear, fitting well with the severity of the plane fire scenario.
Option C:
All the above is incorrect because while both "very" and "absolutely" can be used to express strong emotions, only "absolutely" fits best in this context.
Option D:
None of the above is incorrect as "absolutely" does fit well with the context.
21.
Which is a gradable adjective?
A) Terrible.
B) Appalling.
C) Dreadful.
D) Bad.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Gradable adjectives can be modified by comparative and superlative forms, as well as intensifiers such as "very" or "quite." The adjective "bad" fits this description because it can be used in comparisons (e.g., worse, best) and with intensifiers.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Terrible. Can be modified by comparative and superlative forms.
Option B:
Appalling. Can be modified by comparative and superlative forms.
Option C:
Dreadful. Can be modified by comparative and superlative forms.
Option D:
Bad. Can be modified by comparative and superlative forms, e.g., worse, best; can also use intensifiers like very or quite, e.g., very bad.
22.
Gradable or Non-gradable:AMBITIOUS .....
A) Gradable.
B) Non-gradable.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Gradable adjectives can be modified by degrees, indicating a range of qualities from less to more. The adjective "ambitious" is gradable because it can vary in intensity, such as being slightly ambitious, moderately ambitious, or very ambitious.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Ambitious is a gradable adjective that can be modified by degrees.
Option B:
Incorrect. Ambitious cannot be classified as non-gradable based on the given context.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only Option A is correct for this specific case.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
23.
What type of adjective is unusual?
A) Gradable.
B) Extreme.
C) Absolute.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Unusual is a gradable adjective because it can be modified by comparative and superlative forms, such as "more unusual" and "most unusual."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Unusual can be compared, making it gradable.
Option B:
Incorrect. Extremes are typically absolute adjectives with no comparative or superlative forms (e.g., unique).
Option C:
Incorrect. Unusual has degrees and thus is not an absolute adjective.
Option D:
Incorrect. Unusual fits the definition of a gradable adjective.
24.
This summer was really hot.
A) Scorching.
B) Freezing.
C) Quite hot.
D) Very hot.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Scorching is a more intense form of "very hot," making it the most appropriate choice to describe an extremely hot summer. This option aligns with the intensity implied by the statement, indicating that the heat was so severe as to be almost unbearable.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Scorching describes extreme heat.
Option B:
Incorrect. Freezing indicates very cold temperatures, not hot ones.
Option C:
Incorrect. Quite hot is less intense than the statement suggests.
Option D:
Incorrect. Very hot is too mild for the described heat.
25.
..... beautiful places in Mexico is Oaxaca. I'd even say its food is ..... I've ever eaten. so far
A) The most /the best.
B) The more beautiful /the best.
C) One of the most /the best.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C is correct because "one of the most" and "the best" are appropriate when comparing Oaxaca to other places or foods in a broader context, indicating that it stands out as an excellent example among many.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "The most" is too absolute for comparison; it should be comparative ("one of the most").
Option B:
Incorrect. "The more beautiful" is not grammatically correct in this context.
Option C:
Correct. "One of the most" and "the best" are appropriate for comparison.
Option D:
Incorrect. Option C is valid.
26.
The cat was ..... dead when the vet arrived.
A) Extremely.
B) Fairly.
C) Completely.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The adjectives "extremely," "fairly," and "completely" are gradable adjectives, which can be modified by intensifiers such as "very" to indicate a higher degree of the quality they describe. In this context, "completely" is the most appropriate choice because it fully describes the state of the cat without any need for further modification.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Extremely" - This adjective can be intensified with words like "very," but in this sentence, no intensifier is needed as "completely" already conveys a strong sense of finality.
Option B:
"Fairly" - This adjective suggests a moderate state and does not fully convey the cat's complete death.
Option C:
"Completely" - This is the correct answer as it accurately describes the cat being in a state of total death, without any need for intensification.
Option D:
"None of the above" - Since "completely" fits perfectly, this option is incorrect.
27.
Choose the correct option:That dog is ..... enormous.
A) Very.
B) Absolutely.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B ("Absolutely") is correct because "absolutely" intensifies the adjective "enormous," making it even more emphatic and suitable for describing a dog that is extremely large.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Very" is a common adverb used to modify adjectives but does not provide as strong an emphasis as "absolutely." It would be less effective in this context.
Option B:
"Absolutely" intensifies the adjective, making it more emphatic and fitting for describing something enormous.
Option C:
"All the above" is incorrect because while both "very" and "absolutely" can modify adjectives, only "absolutely" provides a stronger emphasis in this context.
Option D:
"None of the above" is incorrect as "absolutely" is the correct choice to intensify "enormous."
28.
RIGHT or WRONG?"Some animals are ABSOLUTELY SMALL."
A) Right.
B) Wrong.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The claim "Some animals are ABSOLUTELY SMALL" uses the adjective "small," which is gradable. Gradable adjectives can be modified by words like "very," "quite," "a little," or "more." The word "absolutely" is an intensifier that typically modifies negative or positive adjectives to emphasize their degree, but it does not make the adjective non-gradable. Therefore, saying "absolutely small" implies a very small size, which is still within the gradable range of the adjective "small."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect because the statement can be modified to indicate varying degrees of smallness.
Option B:
Correct. The use of "absolutely" does not make "small" non-gradable; it merely intensifies its meaning.
Option C:
Incorrect as Option B is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect because Option B is the right answer.
29.
I am ..... sure that it's right.
A) Very.
B) Absolutely.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Absolutely" is the correct choice because it conveys a high degree of certainty, which aligns with the context of the sentence where one expresses being very sure about something. "Very" could also be used in some contexts but does not convey as strong a sense of certainty as "absolutely."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Very - While it conveys certainty, it is less emphatic than "absolutely."
Option B:
Absolutely - This word expresses the highest degree of certainty and fits well in the context.
Option C:
All the above - Incorrect because "very" does not convey as strong a sense of certainty as "absolutely."
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect since "absolutely" is the correct choice.
30.
I am ..... happy to see you.
A) Virtually.
B) A little.
C) Very.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I am very happy to see you" uses the gradable adjective "happy," which can vary in intensity. The word "very" intensifies the degree of happiness, making it a suitable choice for emphasizing strong emotion.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Virtually does not intensify the adjective "happy." It means almost or practically.
Option B:
A little is used to indicate a small degree, which would make the happiness mild rather than strong.
Option C:
Very correctly intensifies the adjective "happy," making it appropriate for expressing strong emotion.
Option D:
None of the above is incorrect since Option C is correct.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are gradable adjectives?
Gradable adjectives are words that can be compared using degrees such as 'a little', 'very', or 'too'. They describe qualities that can vary in intensity, like 'happy' or 'big'.
How do gradable adjectives differ from non-gradable ones?
Non-gradable adjectives cannot be compared or modified by intensifiers like 'very' or 'too'. Examples include words like 'alive', 'dead', and 'unique', which are either true or false, not more or less so.
Can you give an example of gradable adjectives in comparative contexts?
Sure! 'Taller' is a gradable adjective that can be used to compare heights, such as saying "John is taller than Mike." This shows the degree of difference between two subjects.
What role do intensifiers play with gradable adjectives?
Intensifiers like 'very', 'quite', and 'rather' modify gradable adjectives to indicate a stronger or weaker degree of the quality being described, such as saying "She is very happy" to emphasize her happiness.
Why are superlatives important in understanding gradable adjectives?
Superlatives, such as 'the tallest' or 'the most beautiful', help express the highest degree of a quality among a group. They are crucial for comparing three or more subjects and highlighting the extreme case.