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Lesson 1.19 Adverbs and Intensifiers

Adverbs modify, or describe, verbs. An adverb tells how, when, or where an action occurs.
Malia waited patiently. (tells how Malia waited)
My brother was sent to the principal’s office yesterday. (tells when he was sent)
Kirby hid behind the sycamore tree. (tells where Kirby hid)
Adverbs can also modify adjectives or other adverbs.
The gas tank was completely empty. (completely modifies the adjective empty)
Earthquakes in the South are quite rare. (quite modifies the adverb rare)
Many, but not all, adverbs are formed by adding -ly to adjectives.
Intensifiers are adverbs that add emphasis or intensity to adjectives or other adverbs.
The following are common intensifiers.

absolutely just quite so such

almost nearly rather particularly too
extremely practically really somewhat very

Mr. Singh travels for work quite often.

Felicia felt extremely impatient as she waited for the train to pass.
Complete It
Add an intensifier from the box above to each sentence below. Circle the word it modifies.
1. Mr. Crawley was ________________ embarrassed by the incident at work yesterday.
2. The actors were ________________ talented, and the sets were exquisite.
3. The door was ________________ open, and I was worried that the cats had escaped.
4. Carmen was ________________ asleep by the time her parents returned from
the game.
5. It’s not a ________________ funny movie, but I found myself laughing at the
strangest parts.
6. Dr. Yusef was ________________ worried when he received the results of his
wife’s biopsy.
7. I found the documentary about sea turtles to be ________________ captivating.
8. Although Kiko’s shoes were ________________ new, they were already scuffed
and dirty.
9. The children were ________________ bored by the speech, but they were not
permitted to leave.
10. The whole situation was just ________________ strange to explain.

Spectrum Language Arts Chapter 1 Lesson 19

Grade 8 Grammar: Parts of Speech
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Lesson 1.19 Adverbs and Intensifiers

Identify It
Circle the adverb in each sentence below. Make an arrow from the adverb to the word
it modifies.
1. The biologist bitterly explained how deforestation was affecting the lives of
rainforest animals.
2. Oscar smiled awkwardly at Amelia, ducked his head bashfully, and asked her
to dance.
3. Although Noah was dressed quite suitably for the occasion, he wore bright green
high-top sneakers.
4. “It’s just that, well . . . I’m really sorry,” replied Scott haltingly.
5. I pedaled vigorously, sure that I could make it to the summit of the trail.
6. Inez was highly recommended for the position by her friend and mentor,
Dr. Bradley.
7. Soon, Caitlyn will be a teenager.
8. The sky was particularly lovely when the storm ended and the sun began to set.
9. Grandma smoothly blended the ingredients and carefully poured them into
the dish.
10. Abby graciously accepted the award.
11. Daisy barked at strangers quite often, but she was exceptionally affectionate with
her family.
12. Raylon stared intently at the television screen, waiting anxiously for news of the
survivors.
Try It
Write four sentences using adverbs from the box. Underline each intensifier you use.

once immediately absolutely yesterday

loosely quite skillfully temporarily
extremely often almost surprisingly early
nearly furiously rather soon

1. ________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
4. ________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________

Spectrum Language Arts Chapter 1 Lesson 19

Grade 8 Grammar: Parts of Speech
46

704595 INT 8.indd 46 3/16/20 4:36 PM