Gradable and Non-gradable Adjectives Exercises

These exercises focus on Gradable and Non-gradable Adjectives

What Are Gradable Adjectives?

Definition

Gradable adjectives describe qualities that can have different levels or intensity. You can make them stronger or weaker by adding adverbs like very, a bit, or extremely.

For example:

It’s very hot today.
She’s a bit tired after work.

Common Gradable Adjectives

Adjective	Examples of Use
Cold	A little cold, very cold
Tired	Quite tired, extremely tired
Big	A bit big, really big
Happy	So happy, extremely happy

Illustration of Gradable and Non-gradable Adjectives

What Are Non-Gradable Adjectives?

Definition

Non-gradable adjectives describe qualities that are absolute. You cannot have "a little perfect" or "very dead" because these qualities are complete and cannot change in intensity.

For example:

The test was perfect.
The glass is empty.

Common Non-Gradable Adjectives

Adjective	Why It’s Non-Gradable
Dead	You can’t be "a little dead."
Freezing	If it’s freezing, it’s already extremely cold.
Unique	Something is either unique or not.
Married	You are either married or not married.

How to Use Gradable and Non-Gradable Adjectives

With Gradable Adjectives

Use adverbs like very, quite, a bit, extremely, really, slightly:

The soup is quite hot.
She is very busy today.

With Non-Gradable Adjectives

Use adverbs like absolutely, completely, totally, utterly:

The movie was absolutely amazing.
The answer is completely wrong.

Common Errors and How to Fix Them

1. Using Gradable Adverbs with Non-Gradable Adjectives

❌ The movie was very amazing.
✔️ The movie was absolutely amazing.

2. Using Non-Gradable Adverbs with Gradable Adjectives

❌ She is completely tired.
✔️ She is very tired.

3. Trying to Make Non-Gradable Adjectives Gradable

❌ He is a bit dead.
✔️ He is dead.

Adjectives in Everyday Use

Using gradable and non-gradable adjectives correctly can make your English sound natural:

Weather: “It’s freezing today!” (non-gradable) vs. “It’s very cold today.” (gradable)
Opinions: “The performance was absolutely perfect.” (non-gradable) vs. “The show was quite good.” (gradable)
Feelings: “She’s so happy!” (gradable) vs. “She’s completely heartbroken.” (non-gradable)

Extreme Adjectives List

Base Adjective	Extreme Adjective	Example Sentence
Good	Excellent	The service at the hotel was excellent.
Bad	Terrible	The weather today is terrible.
Big	Huge / Enormous	That building is huge!
Small	Tiny	Look at that tiny kitten!
Cold	Freezing	It’s freezing outside today.
Hot	Boiling	The water is boiling—be careful!
Happy	Overjoyed / Thrilled	She was overjoyed to hear the news.
Sad	Heartbroken	He felt heartbroken after the breakup.
Funny	Hilarious	The movie was hilarious!
Angry	Furious	She was furious when she found out.
Clean	Spotless	The kitchen was spotless after cleaning.
Dirty	Filthy	His clothes were filthy after the hike.
Beautiful	Gorgeous / Stunning	The sunset was gorgeous.
Ugly	Hideous	That painting is hideous.
Surprising	Astonishing	The news was astonishing!
Tired	Exhausted	I feel exhausted after the trip.
Scared	Terrified	She was terrified of the thunderstorm.
Interesting	Fascinating	This documentary is fascinating.
Sure	Certain	I’m absolutely certain about the answer.
Full	Packed	The train was packed with passengers.
Hungry	Starving	I’m starving—let’s eat!

Key Tips

Extreme adjectives are typically non-gradable, so saying "very freezing" or "quite excellent" is incorrect. Instead, use:

✔️ Absolutely freezing
✔️ Completely excellent

These adjectives add strong emotion or emphasis, so use them when you want to be dramatic or expressive.

FAQs

How can I tell if an adjective is gradable or non-gradable?

Check if the quality can have degrees. If you can say "very" or "a bit" with the adjective, it’s gradable. If not, it’s non-gradable.

Can some adjectives be both gradable and non-gradable?

Yes, some adjectives, like "cold," can be non-gradable when used in extremes (e.g., freezing).

What happens if I use the wrong adverb?

It may confuse listeners or sound unnatural, but people will usually understand you.

Are all extreme adjectives non-gradable?

Most are, like "freezing" or "amazing," but context matters. Some can be exaggerated for effect.