This quiz works best with JavaScript enabled.
Home
>
English Grammar
>
Grammar
>
Parts Of Speech
>
Adverbs
>
Comparative Intensifiers – Quiz 1
Comparative Intensifiers Quiz 1 (9 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the understanding of comparative intensifiers and their usage in modifying comparative sentences. It tests skills such as recognizing correct comparative structures, using intensifiers for emphasis, and avoiding unnecessary intensifiers to maintain clarity.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
What is the purpose of using intensifiers in comparative structures?
A) To emphasize the difference in degree between two things being compared.
B) To confuse the comparison between two things.
C) To simplify the comparison process between two things.
D) To downplay the difference in degree between two things being compared.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Comparative intensifiers are used to emphasize the difference in degree between two things being compared, making the comparison more pronounced and stronger. This aligns with Option A: To emphasize the difference in degree between two things being compared.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Intensifiers like 'much', 'far', or 'a lot' are used to highlight the extent of the comparison, making it more noticeable.
Option B:
Incorrect. Intensifiers do not confuse comparisons; they clarify and strengthen them.
Option C:
Incorrect. Intensifiers do not simplify comparisons but rather make them stronger or more emphatic.
Option D:
Incorrect. Intensifiers are used to enhance the difference, not diminish it.
2.
In what situations would you use 'a great deal' as an intensifier in comparatives?
A) When indicating a small difference.
B) When emphasizing a significant difference or degree.
C) When comparing similar items.
D) When describing a moderate degree.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Great deal" is used as an intensifier in comparatives to emphasize a significant difference or degree between two things, making the comparison more forceful and noticeable. This aligns with Option B.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "A great deal" indicates a substantial amount, not a small difference.
Option B:
Correct. It emphasizes significant differences or degrees in comparisons.
Option C:
Incorrect. Comparing similar items does not require emphasizing a large difference with "a great deal."
Option D:
Incorrect. "A great deal" suggests a high degree, not a moderate one.
3.
How does the intensifier 'far' change the meaning of a comparative sentence?
A) It adds a superlative element to the comparison.
B) It emphasizes the degree of difference in a comparative sentence.
C) It removes the comparison entirely.
D) It reverses the order of comparison in a sentence.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The intensifier 'far' in a comparative sentence emphasizes the degree of difference, making the comparison more pronounced and stronger. For example, "This book is far better than that one" conveys a greater difference in quality between the two books compared to simply saying "This book is better than that one."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. 'Far' does not add a superlative element but rather intensifies the comparative degree.
Option B:
Correct. 'Far' emphasizes the degree of difference in a comparative sentence, making it stronger and more pronounced.
Option C:
Incorrect. 'Far' does not remove the comparison; instead, it enhances its strength.
Option D:
Incorrect. 'Far' does not reverse the order of comparison but intensifies it.
4.
Give an example of a sentence using the intensifier 'much' to intensify a comparative.
A) She is much more taller than her brother.
B) She is much taller than her brother.
C) She is much taller as her brother.
D) She is much taller then her brother.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because it properly uses the intensifier 'much' to emphasize the comparative form of the adjective 'taller'. The sentence structure is also grammatically correct, using "than" as required in comparisons.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "More taller" is redundant and not standard English.
Option B:
Correct. Proper use of 'much' to intensify the comparative form 'taller', with correct sentence structure.
Option C:
Incorrect. "As" should be followed by a verb, not used in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Then" is incorrect in comparisons; it should be "than".
5.
Can you use more than one intensifier in a single comparative sentence? Give an example.
A) Sometimes.
B) No.
C) Maybe.
D) Yes.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Yes, you can use more than one intensifier in a single comparative sentence to emphasize the comparison further. For example: "This novel is much more interesting and far superior to that one."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Sometimes - Incorrect; it's not always necessary but possible.
Option B:
No - Incorrect; multiple intensifiers can be used for emphasis.
Option C:
Maybe - Incorrect; it is a clear possibility, not uncertain.
Option D:
Yes - Correct; using more than one intensifier is permissible in comparative sentences to enhance the comparison.
6.
Provide an example of a sentence using 'a lot' as an intensifier in a comparative.
A) She studied a lot more than before.
B) She studied a lot faster than before.
C) She studied a lot smarter than before.
D) She studied a lot harder than before.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) She studied a lot harder than before.
This sentence uses 'a lot' as an intensifier in a comparative, effectively emphasizing the degree to which she increased her effort compared to a previous time period.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Uses 'a lot' correctly but compares quantity rather than intensity of action.
Option B:
Compares speed, not intensity or amount of study.
Option C:
Compares intelligence, not the degree to which she studied.
Option D:
Correctly uses 'a lot' to intensify the comparative of effort in studying.
7.
What effect does the intensifier 'much' have on the tone of a comparative sentence?
A) It adds complexity to the comparative sentence.
B) It changes the subject of the comparative sentence.
C) It intensifies the tone of the comparative sentence.
D) It softens the tone of the comparative sentence.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The intensifier 'much' in a comparative sentence emphasizes the degree of comparison, making the statement more forceful and intense. For example, saying "This book is much better than that one" conveys a stronger opinion compared to simply stating "This book is better than that one."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
It adds complexity to the comparative sentence. - Incorrect; 'much' does not add complexity but rather intensifies the comparison.
Option B:
It changes the subject of the comparative sentence. - Incorrect; 'much' modifies the adjective or adverb being compared, not the subjects.
Option C:
It intensifies the tone of the comparative sentence. - Correct; as explained above, 'much' emphasizes the comparison, making it more forceful.
Option D:
It softens the tone of the comparative sentence. - Incorrect; 'much' actually strengthens the comparison rather than softening it.
8.
When should you avoid using intensifiers in comparative structures?
A) When the adjective itself already conveys a strong degree of comparison.
B) When the comparison is between two equal items.
C) When the adjective is a superlative.
D) When the adjective is a positive degree.
Show Answer
Explanations:
When the adjective itself already conveys a strong degree of comparison, using intensifiers can be redundant and may weaken the sentence's clarity. For example, saying "more incredibly beautiful" is less effective than simply stating "incredibly beautiful."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Adjectives like "amazing," "terrific," or "fantastic" often already imply a high degree of comparison and do not need additional intensifiers.
Option B:
Incorrect. Comparing two equal items typically uses phrases like "as... as" without the need for intensifiers, but this does not necessarily mean intensifiers are always avoided in such comparisons.
Option C:
Incorrect. Superlatives (e.g., "most beautiful") inherently indicate the highest degree of comparison and do not require additional intensifiers.
Option D:
Incorrect. Positive adjectives used in a positive context generally do not need intensifiers unless emphasizing an even stronger meaning is intended, which is rare without context.
9.
When do we use 'a lot' as an intensifier in comparatives?
A) When expressing a preference for one thing over another.
B) When describing a physical location.
C) When emphasizing the difference in degree between two things.
D) When denoting a similarity between two things.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is C) When emphasizing the difference in degree between two things. 'A lot' as an intensifier is used to highlight a significant difference when comparing two things, indicating that one thing is much greater or lesser than the other.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. 'A lot' does not express preference in comparatives; it emphasizes degree.
Option B:
Incorrect. 'A lot' is not used to describe physical locations, but rather the extent of a difference.
Option C:
Correct. This accurately describes the use of 'a lot' as an intensifier in comparatives to emphasize degree differences.
Option D:
Incorrect. 'A lot' does not denote similarity; it emphasizes contrast or difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are comparative intensifiers?
Comparative intensifiers are words that enhance the meaning of a comparison, making it more emphatic or stronger. Examples include 'much', 'far', and 'a lot'.
How do comparative intensifiers differ from regular comparatives?
Regular comparatives, like 'taller' or 'more beautiful', compare two things. Comparative intensifiers modify these comparatives to make the comparison more forceful or significant.
Can comparative intensifiers be used with all types of comparisons?
Yes, but they are most commonly used with adjectives and adverbs. They can make the comparison more vivid or impactful without changing the basic structure of the sentence.
Are there any rules for using comparative intensifiers?
While there are no strict grammatical rules, it's important to use them judiciously. Overuse can make writing sound unnatural or repetitive.
How do comparative intensifiers affect the meaning of a sentence?
Comparative intensifiers add emphasis, making the comparison more pronounced. For example, saying 'far taller' instead of just 'taller' highlights the significant difference between two things.