Gradable and Non-gradable Adjectives
Use very with gradable; absolutely with extreme.
Examples
- very tired
- absolutely exhausted
Key rules
- Gradable: can be more or less: tired, cold
- Non-gradable: extreme or absolute: exhausted, freezing, perfect, unique
- Use very with gradable, absolutely/completely with non-gradable
- Really works with both
Common mistakes
- She is very exhausted → She is absolutely exhausted
- It is absolutely good → It is really good
💡 Tip: Never use very with extreme adjectives.