English is so beautiful! Let’s learn how to add intensity to sentences using intensifiers! Intensifiers are words or phrases that we use to add emphasis, or to raise the level of an adjective or adverb. They can indicate that something is particularly good or bad, big or small, etc.
In this lesson we are going to focus on: so, such, too, enough. You can also check a previous lesson on intensifiers here about very, really and extremely.
Here’s a brief explanation of each one:
“So” as an intensifier can be used:
For example:
This test is so difficult. Este examen es tan difícil.
It’s so important for us to take care of our planet. Es tan importante para nosotros cuidar de nuestro planeta
I was so surprised when I heard the news. Estaba tan sorprendido cuando escuché las noticias
The band played so well last night. El grupo tocó tan bien anoche
Here we are modifying adverbs or adjectives: difficult, important, surprised, well.
So is also used in combination with few/many/little/much.
I have so many things to do. Tengo tantas cosas que hacer
We have so few clothes. Tenemos tan poca ropa
She has so much energy. Tiene tanta energía
They have so little money. Tienen tan poco dinero
“Such” as an intensifier can be used:
For example:
It’s such a small world – Es un mundo tan pequeño
That’s such a big mistake – Eso es un error tan grande
She’s such a talented singer – Es una cantante con mucho talento
It’s such a pleasure to work with you – Es un gran placer trabajar contigo
In this case we are modifying nouns: world, mistake, singer, pleasure.
More intensifiers in the next lesson! 👉