Advanced Adjectives: Gradability and Complementation
Control gradable and non-gradable adjectives, intensifiers, adjective complements, and participial adjective distinctions.
Learning Objective
Advanced Adjectives: Gradability and Complementation
Combine advanced adjectives with natural degree modifiers and grammatically licensed complements.
Clear Explanation
Adjectives vary in gradability and complement pattern. Scalar adjectives combine with degree modifiers such as very or slightly; extreme and classifying adjectives favour modifiers such as absolutely or virtually, subject to usage and context.
Form and Structure
degree modifier + adjective; adjective + to-infinitive/that-clause/preposition phrase
“The findings are highly significant.”
So-called non-gradable adjectives can be coerced into a scale for rhetorical effect, as in very unique, but formal editing may prefer more precise wording.
Meaning and Use
Gradability
Choose an intensifier that fits the adjective's scale and conventional collocation.
“deeply concerned; absolutely essential”
Complement patterns
Adjectives license different complements that complete or refine their meaning.
“capable of adapting; eager to begin; aware that...”
Participial adjectives
-ing forms commonly describe a cause or quality; -ed forms commonly describe an affected experiencer or resulting state.
“a compelling argument; a convinced audience”
Common Errors and Meaning Traps
The findings are very essential.
The findings are absolutely essential.
Essential expresses an extreme or absolute degree, so absolutely is the conventional intensifier here.
She is capable to manage the project.
She is capable of managing the project.
Capable licenses of + -ing, not a to-infinitive.
The audience was deeply convincing.
The audience was deeply convinced.
The audience experiences the resulting state, so use the -ed adjective.
Guided Practice
Use the grammar in context
“We were reluctant to speculate.”
“She is acutely aware that the deadline is fixed.”
Build a collocation table for ten adjectives showing suitable intensifiers and any required complement patterns.
Quick Recap
Adjectives vary in gradability and complement pattern. Scalar adjectives combine with degree modifiers such as very or slightly; extreme and classifying adjectives favour modifiers such as absolutely or virtually, subject to usage and context.
Choose an intensifier that fits the adjective's scale and conventional collocation.
So-called non-gradable adjectives can be coerced into a scale for rhetorical effect, as in very unique, but formal editing may prefer more precise wording.
Essential expresses an extreme or absolute degree, so absolutely is the conventional intensifier here.
Independent Mastery Check
Complete these four checks before taking the quiz. If one feels difficult, return to the matching section and try again.
Explain the core rule in your own words without looking back at the lesson.
Find the target form in “The findings are highly significant.” and explain what it communicates in this context.
Explain why “The findings are absolutely essential.” is the recommended revision for “The findings are very essential.”.
Build a collocation table for ten adjectives showing suitable intensifiers and any required complement patterns.
Continue at C1-C2 Level
Aim for at least 5 out of 6 in the quiz below. For every missed answer, read the explanation, return to the relevant section, and try the quiz again.
Which statement best explains Advanced Adjectives: Gradability and Complementation?
Now Put It Into Practice — Out Loud
Reading grammar is step one. Saying it fluently is step two. Cambridge Veritas AI analyses your speaking in real time — pronunciation, fluency, grammar, and vocabulary.
4,500+ students assessed · 87 countries · Start free
📚 Know someone learning English? Share this lesson with them!
WhatsApp