An adverb usually modifies a verb – but occasionally, an adverb will modify an adjective. An adverb that modifies an adjective is also called an intensifier – because the adverb intensifies the quality of the adjective.
Mary is a pretty girl.
The word pretty is an adjective modifying girl.
Mary is a very pretty girl.
The word very is an intensifier adverb. The adverb very intensifies the adjective pretty.
Here are more intensifier adverbs: really, very, completely, absolutely, totally, utterly, highly, too, rather
Notice how each of these words can modify the adjective in a sentence.
John was utterly exhausted.
John was totally exhausted.
John was completely exhausted.
John was absolutely exhausted.
Use intensifier adverbs to modify an adjective in a sentence.
▶It’s your turn. Find the intensifier adverb in this sentence: This assignment is too hard. Did you figure out that the word too modifies the adjective hard? Good for you!