Sorry this is so late. I got all caught up in the convention speeches, and I’m on Pacific time.So, what’s an intensifier?
An intensifier emphasizes the word it modifies. What does that mean? I think an example is worth 1,000 words. Here’s a typical scenario where one might use an intensifier: What was she thinking when she traveled to
Antarctica? That place could be really cold! The intensifier is “really,” which modifies the word “cold.”
You can prop up a weak word, but it’s still weak. In this instance, one-plus-one doesn’t equal two, it equals l-a-z-y. Find a stronger word. Here’s one for ya: What was she thinking when she traveled to
Antarctica? That place could be frigid.
Other examples of heinous intensifiers are: very, totally, quite, extremely, severely, etc. (No, etc. isn’t an intensifier.)
Note: There are exceptions. Use your head. If those words were never correct, they wouldn’t be words. And remember that intensifiers have their place in dialogue, as everyone has different speech patterns. Hope ya pop in on the morrow for lesson number three. Smiles,Kelly
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September 4th, 2008 at 16:03
Thanks for the post, Kelly.
Oh, and yeah, I got caught up in the convention speeches as well last night. It was very—oh wait, can’t use very– *LOL* It was intriguing to say the least. I can’t wait to hear the responses today.
Thanks for the lesson on intensifiers. Helpful indeed.
I’ll be back for tomorrow’s lesson. Have a great day.