Gradable and Ungradable Adjectives

 

1. Gradable adjectives express qualities that can exist in different strengths or degrees. For example, a person can be more or less angry, a room can be more or less dirty or a book can be more or less interesting.  On the other hand, ungradable adjectives (sometimes called absolute or extreme adjectives) express absolute or extreme qualities. For example, a brilliant mind, a filthy pair of shoes, or a superb meal.

Here are some pairs of gradable and ungradable adjectives:

2. What is important to know is that different intensifying adverbs go with gradable and ungradable adjectives. Look at the box below for some examples:

However, not all combinations are possible. There’s no reason why entirely determined or completely furious aren’t used -they just aren’t! The only combinations that are always possible are:

And, if in doubt you can always resort to really as this goes with both kinds of adjectives.

As you read and listen to English, try to be aware of the combinations or collocations used and develop an ‘ear’ for what sounds right. Just as you’ve learnt that we never say do a mistake, but rather make a mistake, or that someone is a heavy smoker not a strong smoker or a patient may have a serious illness (not a strong illness)  this is what you have to focus on with ungradable adjective combinations as well.