Don't Be a Wimp!

Everyone has the urge[1] to exaggerate every once a while. So don’t hold back on your urges[2]. Now, you can emphasize an adjective by simply adding the adverb “very” before it. Or, you can turn those weak adjectives into strong ones! So that’s what you’re going to do! Take a look at the two columns of adjectives below. Try matching the weak adjective with its stronger counterpart[3]. You’ll find the answers in the comments below.

      WEAK            STRONG

1    angry           a  amazed

2    clever          b   boiling

3    cold             c   brilliant

4    dirty            d   ecstatic

5    happy          e   exhausted

6    hot              f   filthy

7    hungry         g   freezing

8    sad              h  furious

9    scared          i   hideous

10  shocked        j   horrified

11  surprised      k   miserable

12  tired             l   starving

13  ugly             m  terrified

It’s possible to make these strong adjectives even stronger! How? Well, by using an adverb before them, like “really” or “quite” or an even stronger one like “totally” or “absolutely”. But don’t even think of using “very”. “Very” is ONLY for weak adjectives! Check out these examples, using the adjective “tired”.

I’m tired.

I’m very tired!

I’m really tired!

I’m exhausted!

I’m really exhausted!

I’m totally exhausted!

Repeat these sentences out loud. Can you hear how you enhance the way you feel by using a strong adjective?!

Very impressive, isn’t it? These strong adjectives sound really cool! So now go and use them and impress your family and friends! Don't be a wimp[4]!

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[1] instar, [2] impulsos, [3] homólogo, [4] endeble