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Intensifiers And Mitigators – Quiz 1
Intensifiers And Mitigators Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the understanding and application of mitigating adverbs in comparative statements, as well as the appropriate use of intensifiers for emphasizing negative opinions or positive evaluations. It covers concepts such as distinguishing between intensifiers and mitigators, recognizing appropriate intensifiers in context, and modifying adjectives with mitigators.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
Identify the intensifier in this sentence:'It is very cold outside.'
A) Outside.
B) It.
C) Very.
D) Cold.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The intensifier in the sentence "It is very cold outside" is
very
. Intensifiers are words that modify adjectives to make their meaning stronger or more extreme, and in this case, "very" intensifies the adjective "cold".
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Outside. This word indicates location but is not an intensifier.
Option B:
It. This pronoun refers to a previously mentioned noun and does not modify adjectives.
Option C:
Very. Correct, as it modifies the adjective "cold" to emphasize its meaning.
Option D:
Cold. This is an adjective being modified by an intensifier, not itself an intensifier.
2.
You are ..... the best friend a person could have.
A) A great deal.
B) Highly.
C) Much.
D) By far.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"By far" is the most appropriate intensifier to emphasize that someone is not just a great deal, highly, or much of something, but surpasses all others in being the best friend a person could have. This phrase indicates a clear superiority.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"A great deal" suggests a significant amount but does not convey the same level of emphasis as "by far."
Option B:
"Highly" is an intensifier, but it still lacks the clear superiority implied by "by far."
Option C:
"Much" indicates a considerable amount or degree but does not express the same level of emphasis as "by far."
Option D:
"By far" is the correct choice because it clearly conveys that this person surpasses all others in being the best friend.
3.
My little brother plays ..... happily.
A) Quite.
B) So.
C) Ver.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Quite" is an intensifier that can be used to modify adverbs and adjectives, making the statement more emphatic. In this sentence, "quite" is used to emphasize how happily your little brother plays.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Quite" is appropriate here as it intensifies the adverb "happily".
Option B:
Incorrect. "So" is a mitigator, not an intensifier.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Ver" is not a valid word in English and does not function as an intensifier or mitigator.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
4.
There were some clouds, but overall it was a ..... nice day.
A) A bit.
B) Highly.
C) Slightly.
D) Pretty.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Pretty" is the correct answer because it functions as an intensifier, enhancing the positive nature of "nice." It indicates a high degree of niceness without being overly strong like "highly."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"A bit" is a mitigator, reducing the intensity. It does not fit here.
Option B:
"Highly" is an intensifier but too strong for this context; it would imply the day was extremely nice.
Option C:
"Slightly" is a mitigator, diminishing the positive impact. It does not fit here either.
Option D:
"Pretty" is an intensifier that appropriately enhances the positive nature of "nice," making it a suitable choice for this sentence.
5.
A:Do you think we'll get a pay rise this year? B:Well, if we do, it'll be ..... small.
A) Extremely.
B) Totally.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "if we do, it'll be extremely small" indicates a strong mitigator used to downplay the expected outcome of getting a pay rise. The word "extremely" here is an intensifier that emphasizes the minimality of the potential pay rise.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Extremely" as an intensifier highlights the smallness effectively.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Totally" is a mitigator, not an intensifier and does not fit the context well.
Option C:
Incorrect. "All the above" cannot be correct as only one option fits the context properly.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a valid answer among the options provided.
6.
Intensifiers and mitigators are two kinds of adverbs of manner
A) TRUE.
B) FALSE.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Intensifiers and mitigators are indeed two kinds of adverbs of manner, so the statement "Intensifiers and Mitigators are two kinds of adverbs of manner" is true.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. The statement is true.
Option B:
Correct. The statement is true, making this the correct answer.
Option C:
Incorrect. The statement is true and does not encompass all possibilities.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct option (B).
7.
I'm surprised you've never heard of him. He's .....
A) Quite famous.
B) Quite heavy.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The intensifier "quite" in the sentence indicates a high degree of fame, making option A correct. The phrase "he's quite famous" conveys that the person being referred to is well-known, which aligns with the speaker's surprise at the listener's unfamiliarity.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Quite famous" uses an intensifier to indicate a high degree of fame.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Quite heavy" is unrelated to the context of fame and does not fit grammatically or semantically in this sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect. This option suggests multiple meanings, but only one fits the context provided by the intensifier "quite."
Option D:
Incorrect. The correct answer is given by Option A.
8.
Choose the weather-related scenario that better uses the adjective 'foggy' with an intensifier.
A) It was a mildly foggy day, with plenty of sunshine.
B) The foggy weather was refreshing and clear.
C) It was a slightly foggy evening, perfect for a walk.
D) It was an utterly foggy morning, making it nearly impossible to see something ahead.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option D uses the intensifier "utterly" with "foggy," emphasizing the severity of the fog, making it nearly impossible to see ahead. This demonstrates a strong and appropriate use of an intensifier in context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
The adjective 'mildly' is used as an intensifier here but does not emphasize the weather condition strongly.
Option B:
"Refreshing" and "clear" do not use any intensifiers, making this option irrelevant to the question.
Option C:
'Slightly' is a mitigator rather than an intensifier, reducing the emphasis on the fog's impact.
Option D:
Correct. "Utterly" as an intensifier effectively conveys the extreme nature of the foggy condition.
9.
Another way to say ''very clever"
A) Intelligent.
B) Brilliant.
C) Smart.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Brilliant" is a synonym for "very clever," making it the correct answer. It conveys a high degree of intelligence and ingenuity, similar to how "very clever" would be used.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Intelligent - While related, it's more general than "brilliant."
Option B:
Brilliant - Correct. Synonymous with "very clever."
Option C:
Smart - Similar to intelligent, but less formal and intense.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect since "brilliant" is a valid choice.
10.
One person was ..... injured in the accident.
A) Amazingly.
B) Absolutely.
C) Totally.
D) Seriously.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Seriously" is the correct choice because it intensifies the verb "injured," emphasizing the severity of the injury sustained in the accident. This word fits well with the context, indicating that the person was not just injured but was hurt significantly.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Amazingly - This is a mitigator, used to downplay or emphasize surprise rather than intensity.
Option B:
Absolutely - While it can be an intensifier, it does not fit the context as well as "seriously" in this case.
Option C:
Totally - This is also a mitigator and less specific to the severity of injury than "seriously."
Option D:
Seriously - Correctly intensifies the verb, indicating significant injury.
11.
Could you help me with these bags? They're .....
A) Quite tasty.
B) Quite heavy.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because "quite heavy" directly relates to the physical state of the bags, which logically fits the context of needing help with them. Intensifiers like "quite" modify adjectives and can describe the weight or heaviness of objects.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Quite tasty does not fit the context as it describes food or drink, not bags.
Option B:
Quite heavy is correct as it accurately describes the physical state of the bags needing assistance.
Option C:
All the above is incorrect because only one option fits the context.
Option D:
None of the above is incorrect since "quite heavy" is a valid description for the bags.
12.
You are only ..... faster than me.
A) Rather.
B) By far.
C) Easily.
D) Slightly.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "You are only slightly faster than me" uses the word "slightly," which is a mitigator. Mitigators soften the impact of an adjective or adverb, indicating that the difference described is minimal. In this context, "slightly" effectively conveys that the speed difference between the two individuals is very small.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Rather - This word intensifies rather than mitigates.
Option B:
By far - This phrase emphasizes a significant difference, not a slight one.
Option C:
Easily - This also intensifies the statement, suggesting an obvious or clear difference.
Option D:
Slightly - Correct. It mitigates the impact of "faster," indicating a minimal speed difference.
13.
A:Are you hungry? B:Hungry? I'm ..... starving!
A) Extremely.
B) Absolutely.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B ("Absolutely") is correct because "absolutely" is an intensifier that emphasizes the degree of hunger expressed by the speaker. In this context, it effectively conveys a very strong feeling of hunger, aligning with the phrase "starving."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Extremely" is also a valid intensifier but not as strong as "absolutely." While it could fit, "absolutely" better matches the intensity implied by "starving."
Option B:
"Absolutely" correctly emphasizes the degree of hunger.
Option C:
"All the above" is incorrect because while both "extremely" and "absolutely" are intensifiers, only "absolutely" fits best in this context.
Option D:
"None of the above" is incorrect as "absolutely" is a valid choice.
14.
Use the adjective 'rainy' in a sentence with a mitigator.
A) Yesterday was a rainy day.
B) It was somewhat rainy yesterday.
C) It is rainy today.
D) It was very rainy yesterday.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because it uses a mitigator, "somewhat," to soften the intensity of the adjective "rainy." This demonstrates an understanding of how mitigators can modify adjectives without completely negating their meaning.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
No mitigator used.
Option B:
Correct use of a mitigator, "somewhat."
Option C:
No mitigator used.
Option D:
No mitigator used; the adjective is intensified with "very."
15.
A:How was your exam? B:Not good. It was ..... difficult.
A) Absolutely.
B) Really.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Really" is the correct choice here because it serves as a mitigator, softening the statement about the difficulty of the exam without completely negating it. "Absolutely" would make the statement too strong and positive, which doesn't fit the context where B expresses that the exam was not good.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Absolutely - This intensifies the statement, making it too strong for the context.
Option B:
Really - This mitigates the statement appropriately, indicating a moderate level of difficulty without overemphasizing it.
Option C:
All the above - This is incorrect because "Absolutely" does not fit the context as well as "Really."
Option D:
None of the above - This is incorrect since "Really" fits the context well.
16.
We were ..... close to falling off the stairs. (stronger meaning)
A) Fairly.
B) Rather.
C) Quite.
D) Incredibly.
Show Answer
Explanations:
In this context, "incredibly" is the most appropriate intensifier to convey a stronger meaning than the other options. It emphasizes the severity of nearly falling off the stairs, indicating that it was extremely close or almost happened.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Fairly - This suggests a moderate level of closeness, not as strong as "incredibly."
Option B:
Rather - Similar to "fairly," it implies a slight or moderate degree.
Option C:
Quite - While stronger than the others, it still does not convey the same level of intensity as "incredibly."
Option D:
Incredibly - This word conveys an extremely close situation, making it the strongest choice.
17.
Success is ..... probable.
A) Seriously.
B) Really.
C) Highly.
D) Remarkably.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Highly" is the correct intensifier to use in this context because it emphasizes the high probability of success, making the statement more forceful and clear.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Seriously" is an adverb that can indicate intensity but does not specifically denote a high probability.
Option B:
"Really" also indicates intensity but is less specific in terms of degree compared to "highly."
Option C:
"Highly" accurately conveys the high likelihood or strong possibility of success, making it the best choice here.
Option D:
"Remarkably" suggests something unusual or extraordinary, which does not fit the context of a probable outcome as well as "highly."
18.
Choose the sentence that correctly uses the word 'cold' and a mitigator.
A) It is quite cold today.
B) It is pretty cold outside today.
C) It feels cold but not too bad.
D) The weather is warm and sunny.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C correctly uses the word 'cold' with a mitigator, "but not too bad," which softens the intensity of the statement.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
No mitigator used.
Option B:
Uses a mitigator but does not use 'cold' in the sentence.
Option C:
Correctly uses 'cold' with "but not too bad" as a mitigator.
Option D:
No mention of 'cold'; describes warm weather instead.
19.
Another way to say ''very big"
A) Tiny.
B) Enormous.
C) Thick.
D) Small.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B) Enormous is the correct answer because "enormous" means extremely large in size, amount, or degree, which directly corresponds to another way of saying "very big."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Tiny refers to something very small, so it does not fit as an alternative for "very big."
Option B:
Enormous is the correct choice as explained above.
Option C:
Thick can refer to thickness but does not convey the same meaning of size or amount as "very big." It could be used in specific contexts, like describing a material's density, but generally it is not synonymous with "big."
Option D:
Small means less than average or usual in size, so it contradicts the meaning of "very big."
20.
You've never tasted this meal? It's .....
A) Quite heavy.
B) Quite difficult.
C) Quite tasty.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The intensifier "quite" in the sentence indicates a positive evaluation of the meal's taste, making "C) Quite tasty" the correct choice as it aligns with the use of "quite" to emphasize the pleasantness of the experience.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Quite heavy" suggests a meal that is substantial or filling. This does not match the context of taste.
Option B:
"Quite difficult" implies a challenging or complicated meal, which is unrelated to the taste evaluation.
Option C:
"Quite tasty" correctly uses "quite" as an intensifier for the adjective "tasty," indicating a positive and emphatic description of the meal's flavor.
Option D:
"None of the above" is incorrect since Option C accurately describes the sentence context.
21.
I've never tried tennis, it looks .....
A) Quite difficult.
B) Quite famous.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "it looks" suggests that the speaker is making an observation about tennis based on its appearance, which aligns with the idea of difficulty being a common first impression for many new sports. Intensifiers like "quite" emphasize this initial perception.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Quite difficult" uses an intensifier to convey that tennis appears challenging at first glance.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Quite famous" does not fit the context of a new observer's impression.
Option C:
Incorrect. "All the above" is incorrect because only one option fits the context.
Option D:
Incorrect. "None of the above" is incorrect as Option A correctly describes the situation.
22.
A:Did you have a good holiday? B:Yes, thanks, it was ..... fantastic.
A) Very.
B) Really.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Really" is the correct intensifier to use in this context because it directly modifies "fantastic," emphasizing the positive experience of the holiday. "Very" could also be used, but "really" sounds more natural and colloquial here.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Very is a correct intensifier but not as idiomatic in this context as "really."
Option B:
Really is the most appropriate intensifier, making it the correct answer.
Option C:
All the above would be incorrect since only "really" fits best here.
Option D:
None of the above is incorrect because "really" is a suitable choice.
23.
The soup was ..... hot. We had to wait 15 minutes before we could eat it.(La sopa estaba ..... caliente. Tuvimos que esperar 15 minutos antes de poder tomarla.)
A) Enough.
B) Amazingly.
C) Absolutely.
D) Extremely.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Extremely.
The intensifier "extremely" in this context emphasizes the high degree of heat, indicating that the soup was very hot and required a long wait before it could be consumed. This choice aligns with the urgency implied by the waiting time.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Enough" suggests the soup had reached an acceptable temperature but does not convey the high degree of heat needed for such a long wait.
Option B:
"Amazingly" implies something extraordinary or surprising, which is not necessarily indicated by the waiting time mentioned in the sentence.
Option C:
"Absolutely" could work as an intensifier but does not convey the same level of heat emphasis as "extremely." It might be used more generally to express certainty or intensity without specifying temperature.
Option D:
"Extremely" is the most appropriate choice as it strongly emphasizes the high degree of heat, justifying the 15-minute wait before consumption.
24.
The soup was ..... hot. We had to wait 15 minutes before we could eat it.
A) Amazingly.
B) Absolutely.
C) Extremely.
D) Enough.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Extremely" is the correct intensifier in this context because it emphasizes the degree of heat, indicating that the soup was very hot to the point where a wait time was necessary before consumption. This choice aligns with the scenario described, emphasizing the intensity of the temperature.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Amazingly" suggests something surprising or impressive, which does not fit the context of waiting due to heat.
Option B:
"Absolutely" can mean completely or totally but is less specific in terms of degree compared to "extremely."
Option C:
"Extremely" accurately conveys the intensity of the heat, justifying the wait time.
Option D:
"Enough" implies a sufficient state rather than an intense one, making it inappropriate here.
25.
Q:How was your exam?B:Not good. It was ..... difficult.
A) Really.
B) Pretty.
C) So.
D) Very.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is A) Really. In this context, "Really" functions as an intensifier that emphasizes the degree of difficulty experienced in the exam. It conveys a stronger sense than just saying "difficult," making the statement more impactful.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Intensifies the level of difficulty.
Option B:
Not as strong an intensifier as "Really."
Option C:
Often used for emphasis but not as strong as "Really" here.
Option D:
Also a good intensifier, but less common in this context than "Really."
26.
Create a sentence using the adjective 'hot' with an intensifier.
A) The coffee is not hot.
B) The weather is quite hot.
C) The weather was fairly hot yesterday.
D) Today is at all hot.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) The weather is quite hot.
This sentence uses the intensifier "quite" to modify the adjective "hot," indicating a moderate level of heat without making it too strong or weak. Intensifiers like "quite" are used to emphasize the degree of an adjective.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This sentence does not use any intensifier, so it is not as effective in emphasizing the temperature.
Option B:
Correct. Uses "quite" as an intensifier to modify "hot."
Option C:
The phrase "fairly hot yesterday" uses "fairly," but it's less common than "quite" for this purpose, and the past tense makes it slightly awkward.
Option D:
This option is grammatically incorrect. "At all" does not function as an intensifier in this context.
27.
We don't have ..... money to buy lunch.
A) Very.
B) Enough.
C) Such a.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Enough.
The phrase "We don't have enough money to buy lunch" indicates a lack of sufficient funds, which fits the context of the sentence perfectly. "Very" and "such a" do not fit grammatically or semantically in this context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Very is an intensifier that would typically be used to emphasize something, but it does not address the issue of quantity or sufficiency.
Option B:
Enough is correct as it indicates a lack of sufficient funds for buying lunch.
Option C:
Such a is incorrect and does not fit grammatically in this context.
Option D:
None of the above is incorrect because Option B is indeed the right choice.
28.
Another way to say ''very sure"
A) Secure.
B) Sure.
C) Certain.
D) Safe.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Certain" is the correct answer because it directly conveys a high degree of certainty, similar to "very sure." It is an intensifier that emphasizes confidence in a statement.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Secure does not convey the same level of certainty as "certain" and is more related to safety or protection.
Option B:
Sure, while similar, is less formal and intense than "certain." It can be used in casual contexts but lacks the strength implied by "very sure."
Option C:
Certain directly matches the meaning of "very sure," making it the most appropriate choice.
Option D:
Safe is related to security or protection, not certainty about a statement's truthfulness.
29.
This gift is ..... perfect! I love it!
A) Slightly.
B) Highly.
C) Absolutely.
D) Very.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Absolutely" is the correct intensifier to use in this context because it strongly emphasizes that the gift is perfect, aligning with the enthusiastic tone of "I love it!" Slightly and very are less intense, while highly can be more formal or appropriate for different contexts.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Slightly - This is too mild to match the enthusiasm expressed.
Option B:
Highly - While it could work in some contexts, "absolutely" better fits the informal tone of the statement.
Option C:
Absolutely - This matches the level of enthusiasm and is the correct choice.
Option D:
Very - This is also too mild compared to the context provided.
30.
So, did you enjoy the film? B:No, I thought it was ..... awful.
A) Very.
B) Totally.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Totally" is the correct intensifier to use in this context because it emphasizes the negative opinion expressed about the film. "Awful" already conveys a strong negative sentiment, and using "totally" further reinforces this intensity without sounding redundant.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Very - This is not as strong an intensifier as "totally." It would be less effective in emphasizing the negative opinion.
Option B:
Totally - Correct. It effectively emphasizes the negative sentiment expressed about the film.
Option C:
All the above - Incorrect because "very" is not as strong an intensifier here.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect because "totally" is the correct choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are intensifiers and mitigators in English grammar?
Intensifiers and mitigators are types of adverbs that modify other adverbs, adjectives, or entire sentences to make their meaning stronger (intensifiers) or weaker (mitigators). For example, 'very' is an intensifier, while 'a bit' is a mitigator.
How do intensifiers and mitigators affect the meaning of sentences?
Intensifiers enhance or emphasize the degree of an adjective or adverb, making it stronger. Mitigators, on the other hand, reduce the strength of a statement, making it weaker or more moderate. They help in expressing nuances and shades of meaning.
Can you give an example of how intensifiers are used in weather descriptions?
Certainly! In weather descriptions, 'extremely cold' uses the intensifier 'extremely' to emphasize just how cold it is. Without this intensifier, 'cold' might be seen as a milder description.
Are there common mistakes when using intensifiers and mitigators?
Yes, one common mistake is overusing intensifiers, which can make writing sound overly emphatic or even silly. It's important to use them judiciously to maintain clarity and natural flow in sentences.
How do adverbs of manner relate to intensifiers and mitigators?
Adverbs of manner, such as 'quickly' or 'slowly,' can be used both as intensifiers (e.g., 'very quickly') and mitigators (e.g., 'quite slowly'). They describe how an action is performed but can also modify the intensity of other words in a sentence.