Degree adverbs and focus adverbs

Degree adverbs and focus adverbs are small but important words that change the meaning or emphasis of a sentence. Degree adverbs (like very, slightly, extremely) modify the intensity of adjectives, adverbs, or verbs. Focus adverbs (like only, even, just) narrow or highlight a particular part of the sentence.

• Degree adverbs tell us how strong or weak something is (e.g., very, quite, slightly).
• Focus adverbs point to the element that is being limited or emphasized (e.g., only, even, just).
• Placement matters: the position of these adverbs affects meaning and clarity.

Remember how placement affects meaning:

• Degree adverbs usually come before the adjective or adverb they modify: She is very efficient.
• Degree adverbs can also modify verbs (e.g., He barely completed the task).
• Focus adverbs go directly before the element they limit or emphasize: Only managers approve expenses.
• Moving a focus adverb changes the meaning: 'Only John approved' ≠ 'John only approved'

When in doubt, place focus adverbs immediately before the word or phrase they are intended to limit.

Watch for these frequent errors:

• Placing focus adverbs too far from the word they modify, which changes the meaning: 'Only managers approve expenses' vs 'Managers only approve expenses.'
• Using degree adverbs with absolute adjectives: avoid 'very unique' or 'extremely dead' in formal writing.
• Confusing 'just' as focus ('only') vs 'just' as recent action — check context.
• Keeping incorrect word order: focus adverbs should be placed directly before the element they modify.

When correct placement is unclear, rephrase the sentence to place the adverb next to what it modifies.