Gradable Adjectives

A gradable adjective can be made stronger or weaker when used with a gradable adverb.

Examples:

  • small
  • good
  • big
  • bad
  • cold
  • tired
  • angry

As in these examples:

  • It was a very small problem.
    (adverb/very – adjective/small)
  • Last week it was extremely cold.
    (adverb/extremely – adjective/cold)

Compare with non-gradable adjectives.

Common mistakes with adjectives.