Why do we say “very cold” but not “very freezing”?
In English, adjectives (describing words) are often gradable. This means the quality can have different levels or degrees. You can be a little happy, quite happy, or extremely happy.
What are Gradable Adjectives?
Gradable adjectives describe qualities that can exist in varying amounts. We use words like a little, quite, very, or extremely to measure them.
Examples of Gradable Adjectives:
- Cold: It is a bit cold today. / It is very cold outside.
- Big: That is a pretty big house! / It’s extremely big!
What are Non-Gradable Adjectives?
Some adjectives represent an “extreme” or “absolute” quality. They cannot be a “little” or “very” of something because they are already at the top of the scale. We usually use absolutely, totally, or completely with them.
Examples of Non-Gradable Adjectives:
- Freezing (Extreme): It is absolutely freezing in here! (It means “very cold,” not “a little freezing”)
- Dead (Absolute): The battery is completely dead. (It is not “very dead” or “quite dead”)
Quick Review
- Gradable: cold, hungry, big, small, happy, tired
- Non-gradable: freezing (very cold), starving (very hungry), huge (very big), Tiny (very small), ecstatic (very happy), exhausted (very tired)
Tip: If you want to say something is very extreme, use absolutely!
Reference B217