Tri Duc English - Unit 6: Intensifying Adverbs TRI DUC ENGLISH CENTER IELTS Lexical Resource - Unit 6: Intensifying Adverbs UNIT 6: INTENSIFYING ADVERBS In English there are lots of other ways of saying very or very much . For example, we can use words such as highly, utterly, bitterly, deeply . These alternatives collocate strongly with specific words, and other combinations often sound unnatural. A. Highly Collocations Comments (un)likely, unusual, successful, competitive, profitable, effective, controversial, recommended Highly is used with some probability words ( likely, unusual ). With the exception of highly controversial it usually combines with very positive words. Extremely can also be used with all the opposite adjectives except recommended. • It is highly unlikely that I'll finish my work on time. • Jill's highly unusual behaviour began to worry her parents. B. Absolutely, utterly Collocations Comments ridiculous, stupid, impossible, wrong, alone, appalled, convinced, devastated, miserable Absolutely and (slightly more formal) utterly combine with adjectives with very extreme meanings where we can't use very . For example, we say absolutely/utterly exhausted , not very exhausted , whereas we say very tired , but not absolutely or utterly tired . Often, but not always, these words have negative connotations. • It was an absolutely stupid comment to make. • The whole area was utterly devastated after the earthquake. C. Bitterly, deeply, ridiculously, strongly Word Collocations Comments bitterly disappointing/disappointed, resent, bitterly regret, complain, cry, weep Carries a feeling of deep sadness; used slightly more in writing than in conversation. deeply ashamed, concerned, shocked, committed, moved, affected, hurt (of feelings), regret, care, religi...