Adverbs of degree

This is probably the first time youve heard the term adverbs of degree. It
refers to adverbs that tell us to which degree something is as it is, and comes
in four degrees:

fairly, quite, rather, pretty

ranging from weaker to stronger.

fairly
Fairly is used to modify adjectives and adverbs and expresses a very weak
degree. If you describe something as being fairly good, for example, it would
not necessarily be understood as a compliment.
So hows your new English teacher?
Well, fairly good, I guess. Ive had better English
teachers before.
How well do you speak French?
Fairly well. Enough to order a meal in a restaurant
or to ask for directions.
So tell me how was breakfast at your hotel?
Fairly good. A full Irish breakfast is a bit heavy and
greasy, but at least it fills you up.

quite
Quite is stronger than fairly. It is also used to modify adjectives and ad-
verbs, and saying that something is quite good, for example, is definitely
understood as a positive statement.
So hows your new English teacher?
Well, quite good, actually. He has a clear accent,
has lots of little anecdotes to tell, and tries to integrate
every student, particularly the weaker ones.
 How well do you speak French?
Quite well. I can hold a conversation, I can read a
newspaper or watch a movie enough to get by.
So tell me how was breakfast at your hotel?
Quite good, actually! Baguette with butter and jam,
croissant, and as much caf au lait as you wanted!

rather
Rather is stronger than quite. It is used when you want to express that
something is better, worse, nicer, more interesting, etc. than expec-
ted, or than usual.
So hows your new English teacher?
Rather good, actually. Hes the best English teacher
Ive had so far. Much better than I expected!
How well does your new boyfriend speak French?
Rather well. I was surprised considering he didnt
have French at school ...
So tell me how was breakfast at your hotel?
Rather good! They had a huge Turkish and German
breakfast buffet with everything the heart desires!

pretty
Pretty is used more or less in the same way as rather. It is, however, consi-
dered to be more colloquial and shouldnt be used in factual written text.
So hows your new English teacher?
Pretty good, actually. Hes the best English teacher
Ive had so far. Much better than I expected!
How well does your new boyfriend speak French?
Pretty well. I was surprised considering he didnt
have French at school ...