B2 · 중상급 챕터 6

Adding Emphasis and Detail

9 총 규칙
87 예문
5 분
이 챕터의 규칙 빠른 연습

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Transform your English from basic to brilliant by mastering the art of emphasis and descriptive detail.

  • Distinguish between feelings and their causes using specialized adjective endings.
  • Use powerful intensifiers to express extreme emotions and opinions.
  • Master the placement of adverbs and auxiliary verbs for natural, native-like flow.
Don't just speak English—speak it with impact.

배울 내용

Ready to make your English truly shine? This chapter will show you how to express your feelings perfectly, distinguishing between *boring* and *bored*, and add impactful emphasis with words like *absolutely* and *very*. Get ready to communicate with confidence and vividness!

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to correctly use -ed and -ing adjectives to describe personal feelings and external situations.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to amplify descriptions using 'so', 'such', and non-gradable intensifiers like 'utterly'.
  3. 3
    By the end you will be able to construct complex 'double comparative' sentences to show relationships between actions.

챕터 가이드

Overview

As you reach the B2 level in English, you're not just speaking correctly; you're ready to speak *powerfully*. This chapter on English adding emphasis and detail is your secret weapon to elevate your communication from merely understandable to truly impactful. Imagine being able to perfectly express not just *what* happened, but *how* you felt about it, or the degree to which something is true.
That's the difference between saying
The movie was good
and
The movie was absolutely amazing, I was so engaged the entire time!
Mastering these nuances is crucial for any B2 English grammar learner looking to interact with native speakers fluently and confidently. We'll explore how to distinguish between your feelings (like being bored) and what causes those feelings (a boring lecture), and how to apply the right intensifier, whether it's very for a gradable adjective or absolutely for a non-gradable one. By understanding adverb placement and dynamic structures like the double comparative, you'll gain the tools to make your English truly shine, ensuring every word carries the weight and emotion you intend.
Get ready to communicate with vividness and precision!

How This Grammar Works

Let's dive into how these rules interlock to create truly expressive English. First, distinguishing between adjectives ending in -ed and -ing is foundational. Use -ed to describe a feeling or state, like
I felt bored by the lecture.
Use -ing to describe the cause of that feeling, as in
The lecture was boring.
This simple distinction immediately adds clarity and impact to your descriptions.
Building on that, we use so and such a to intensify qualities and things. Use so before an adjective or adverb:
The story was so interesting!
or
He spoke so quickly.
Use such a before an adjective + singular countable noun, or just a plural/uncountable noun:
It was such an interesting story!
or
They showed such enthusiasm!
These structures add a punch to your statements, conveying strong emotion.
When it comes to intensifiers, we must match them to the type of adjective. For gradable adjectives (which can be scaled, like good, bad, hot), use very, really, or quite:
The weather is very hot today.
For non-gradable or extreme adjectives (which are already at an extreme, like amazing, terrible, boiling), use absolutely, completely, or utterly:
That film was absolutely amazing!
You wouldn't say very amazing.
Adverb placement also plays a vital role. Manner adverbs (how something is done) typically go after the object or verb:
She sings the song beautifully.
Degree adverbs (how much) generally come before the word they modify:
I am extremely tired.
For frequency adverbs like always, never, often in complex tenses (with helping verbs), place them *after* the first helping verb:
I have always wanted to visit Japan.
not
I always have wanted.
Finally, the double comparative (
The more, the better
) creates a rhythmic and powerful way to show proportional change.
The more you study, the better your grades will be.
This structure allows for sophisticated expression of cause and effect, making your sentences more dynamic.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1Confusing -ed and -ing adjectives.
✗ I found the movie very interested. (Incorrectly describing the movie's quality)
✓ I found the movie very interesting. (The movie *causes* interest)
✓ I was very interested in the movie. (Describes *your* feeling)
  1. 1Using the wrong intensifier for extreme adjectives.
✗ The view from the mountain was very breathtaking. (Breathtaking is already extreme)
✓ The view from the mountain was absolutely breathtaking.
  1. 1Incorrect adverb placement in complex tenses.
✗ I always have dreamed of traveling the world. (Adverb before the first helping verb)
✓ I have always dreamed of traveling the world. (Adverb after the first helping verb)

Real Conversations

A

A

I just finished that new sci-fi novel. It was absolutely fascinating!
B

B

Oh, really? I heard it was quite long, but I'm so interested in reading it now.
A

A

You should! The characters are so well-developed, and the plot is such an exciting adventure. The more you read, the more hooked you become!
A

A

I'm feeling exhausted. My boss gave me such a huge project today.
B

B

Oh no, that sounds terribly frustrating. You must be absolutely fed up.
A

A

I am! I have never had so much to do. I need a break.

Quick FAQ

Q

What's the main difference between so and such a?

So intensifies an adjective or adverb (e.g., "It's so cold

). Such a intensifies a noun phrase, often with an adjective (e.g.,
It's such a cold day"). Think of so modifying a quality, and such a modifying a thing.

Q

When should I use very versus absolutely?

Use very with gradable adjectives that can exist on a scale (e.g., very good, very tired). Use absolutely (or similar words like completely, utterly) with non-gradable or extreme adjectives that are already at their maximum (e.g., absolutely amazing, absolutely exhausted).

Q

Why is adverb placement important, especially with frequency adverbs?

Correct adverb placement ensures your sentences sound natural and clear to native speakers. Misplacing frequency adverbs like always or never in complex tenses (e.g.,

I have always done
) can sound awkward or even grammatically incorrect to an advanced listener.

Q

Can I use multiple intensifiers in one sentence?

Yes, but be careful not to overdo it, as it can sound unnatural or overly dramatic. For example,

That movie was so incredibly good
is fine, but
That movie was so very absolutely incredibly amazing
is excessive.

Cultural Context

Native English speakers use these patterns instinctively to convey emotion, attitude, and emphasis. While the grammar rules are consistent, the *frequency* and *intensity* of their use can vary culturally and contextually. For instance, in more informal settings, people might use so and such a more liberally to express excitement, whereas in formal writing, emphasis might be achieved through more varied vocabulary or sentence structure.
Understanding these subtle differences helps you not just speak correctly, but also communicate authentically.

주요 예문 (8)

1

The movie was very interesting, I couldn't stop watching it.

La película fue muy interesante, no podía dejar de verla.

강조어: 등급형 대 비등급형 형용사 (Very vs. Absolutely)
2

That sushi was absolutely delicious; I'm ordering it again!

Ese sushi estaba absolutamente delicioso; ¡lo pediré de nuevo!

강조어: 등급형 대 비등급형 형용사 (Very vs. Absolutely)
3

She `happily` accepted the job offer.

그녀는 기쁘게 일자리 제안을 수락했어요.

부사의 위치: 방식 및 정도
4

The presentation was `really` interesting.

발표가 정말 흥미로웠어요.

부사의 위치: 방식 및 정도
5

I have always wanted to learn to play the guitar.

Siempre he querido aprender a tocar la guitarra.

복합 시제에서의 부사 순서 (Always, Never, Often)
6

They had never visited Europe before their graduation trip.

Nunca habían visitado Europa antes de su viaje de graduación.

복합 시제에서의 부사 순서 (Always, Never, Often)
7

The sooner you finish your homework, the more free time you’ll have.

숙제를 빨리 끝낼수록, 자유 시간이 더 많아질 거야.

이중 비교: '더 ~할수록, 더 ~하다'
8

The warmer the weather, the more people head to the beach.

날씨가 따뜻할수록, 더 많은 사람들이 해변으로 향해요.

이중 비교: '더 ~할수록, 더 ~하다'

팁과 요령 (4)

💡

질문: 감정인가요, 원인인가요?

헷갈릴 땐 이 질문을 스스로에게 해보세요: 이 형용사가 감정을 *일으키는 것*을 묘사하나요, 아니면 감정을 *느끼는 사람*을 묘사하나요? 이 간단한 질문이 항상 정답을 알려줄 거예요.
Is the movie boring or am I bored?
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 형용사: -ed vs. -ing (감정 vs. 원인)
💡

명사인지 형용사인지 확인하세요

형용사나 부사만 강조하고 싶다면 so를 쓰세요. 하지만 뒤에 명사가 따라온다면 (형용사가 앞에 있더라도) such a나 such를 쓰는 게 황금률이에요!
The weather is so hot.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 'so'와 'such a'로 강조하기
🎯

The 'Really' Safety Net

If you aren't sure if an adjective is gradable or extreme, use 'really'. It works with both and you'll never be grammatically wrong.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 강조어: 등급형 대 비등급형 형용사 (Very vs. Absolutely)
💡

동사 + 목적어 + 양태 부사

어떻게(manner) 하는지 말할 때는 동사 뒤, 혹은 목적어가 있다면 그 뒤에 두는 게 가장 안전해요.
She drives her car carefully
라고 해보세요.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 부사의 위치: 방식 및 정도

핵심 어휘 (6)

fascinating extremely interesting exhausted very tired utterly completely/absolutely significantly in a large or noticeable way hilarious extremely funny slightly a little bit

Real-World Preview

utensils

Reviewing a New Restaurant

Review Summary

  • -ed = person's feeling / -ing = the thing's effect
  • The [comparative], the [comparative]
  • [Modifier] + [Comparative]

자주 하는 실수

Saying 'I am boring' means you are a person who is not interesting to others. Use 'bored' to describe your internal feeling.

Wrong: I am very boring today.
정답: I am very bored today.

'Wonderful' is a non-gradable (extreme) adjective. You cannot have 'levels' of wonderful, so you must use 'absolutely' or 'completely' instead of 'very'.

Wrong: It was a very wonderful party.
정답: It was an absolutely wonderful party.

The double comparative requires 'the' before both comparative adjectives to create the parallel structure.

Wrong: The more you study, you learn more.
정답: The more you study, the more you learn.

이 챕터의 규칙 (9)

1

형용사: -ed vs. -ing (감정 vs. 원인)

B2
느낌은 '-ed', 원인은 '-ing' — 관점의 차이일 뿐이에요!
I'm really `interested` in learning about AI these...
12 예문
2

'so'와 'such a'로 강조하기

B2
형용사나 부사를 직접 강조할 때는 so를, 명사를 꾸며줄 때는 such a를 사용해서 문장에 생동감을 불어넣어 보세요!
The exam was `so difficult` that nobody passed.
12 예문
3

강조어: 등급형 대 비등급형 형용사 (Very vs. Absolutely)

B2
Using the right intensifier makes your English sound natural, precise, and powerfully expressive.
The movie was very interesting, I couldn't stop wa...
12 예문
4

부사의 위치: 방식 및 정도

B2
부사의 정확한 위치는 문장의 뉘앙스를 살려줘요. manner는 방법, degree는 정도를 나타내죠.
She `happily` accepted the job offer.
12 예문
5

복합 시제에서의 부사 순서 (Always, Never, Often)

B2
Master adverb placement in complex tenses to speak English smoothly and sound more like a native.
I have always wanted to learn to play the guitar.
12 예문
6

이중 비교: '더 ~할수록, 더 ~하다'

B2
이 문법을 마스터하면 인과관계를 훨씬 명확하고 자연스럽게 전달할 수 있어요. the more, the better 같은 표현들이 여러분의 영어를 한 단계 업그레이드해 줄 거예요!
The sooner you finish your homework, the more free...
12 예문
7

Auxiliary Verbs: Do, Be, Have — All Their Uses

B2
Do, be, and have each function both as auxiliary verbs (helping form tenses) and as main verbs. At B2, mastering their uses in emphasis, short answers, tags, and substitution is essential.
5 예문
8

Have: Auxiliary Verb or Main Verb?

B2
Have is an auxiliary verb in perfect tenses (have done, had left). As a main verb it means possess, experience, or in causative structures. The two uses behave differently in questions and negatives.
5 예문
9

Modifying Comparatives: Much Better, Far Worse, Slightly Bigger

B2
Comparatives can be intensified or softened by adding a modifier before them: much, far, considerably, a lot (strong), slightly, a little, a bit (weak), no (no difference/the opposite).
5 예문

Next Steps

You've just leveled up your English significantly! Your ability to express intensity and detail is what separates a good speaker from a great communicator. Keep practicing these emphatic structures!

Write a 5-star review for your favorite movie using at least 3 non-gradable intensifiers.

Describe your daily commute using a 'the more... the more...' structure.

Continue to: Connecting Information with Relative Clauses

빠른 연습 (10)

올바른 형태를 선택하세요

The new video game is incredibly ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: exciting
비디오 게임이 흥분을 유발하기 때문에 -ing 형태를 사용해요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 형용사: -ed vs. -ing (감정 vs. 원인)

Find the error.

Find and fix the mistake:

Did you went to the store?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: went
Should be 'go'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Auxiliary Verbs: Do, Be, Have — All Their Uses

문장에서 틀린 부분을 찾아 고쳐보세요.

Find and fix the mistake:

The soup was enough hot to burn my tongue.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The soup was hot enough to burn my tongue.
부사 'enough'는 항상 자신이 수식하는 형용사나 부사 '뒤'에 위치해야 합니다.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 부사의 위치: 방식 및 정도

Fill in the blank.

The test was ___ harder than I thought.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: slightly
Slightly is a valid modifier.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Modifying Comparatives: Much Better, Far Worse, Slightly Bigger

Choose the formal option.

The results are ___ better.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: significantly
Significantly is formal.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Modifying Comparatives: Much Better, Far Worse, Slightly Bigger

Fill in the blank.

___ you like tea?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Do
Simple present question.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Auxiliary Verbs: Do, Be, Have — All Their Uses

Fix the mistake in the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

You should check always the oil.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: You should always check the oil.
The adverb must follow the modal 'should'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 복합 시제에서의 부사 순서 (Always, Never, Often)

Put the adverb in the correct position.

I have (always) loved you.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I have always loved you.
The adverb goes between 'have' and 'loved'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 복합 시제에서의 부사 순서 (Always, Never, Often)

Find the error.

Find and fix the mistake:

Do you are happy?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Do
Should be 'Are'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Auxiliary Verbs: Do, Be, Have — All Their Uses

알맞은 강조 표현을 고르세요.

It was ___ a long journey that I fell asleep immediately.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: such
'journey'라는 단수 가산 명사가 형용사와 함께 왔으므로 'such'가 정답입니다. (a는 이미 문장에 있네요!)

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 'so'와 'such a'로 강조하기

Score: /10

자주 묻는 질문 (6)

핵심적인 차이는 -ed 형용사는 '사람이 어떻게 느끼는지'를 묘사하고(예: 'I am bored'), -ing 형용사는 '그 감정을 유발하는 것이 무엇인지'를 묘사한다는 거예요(예: 'The book is boring'). 모든 건 관점에 달려있죠!
일반적으로는 아니에요. -ed 형용사는 감정 상태를 묘사하며 주로 사람이나 때로는 동물을 묘사하는 데 사용돼요. 아주 비유적으로 말하지 않는 한 'The book is bored'라고 말하지 않을 거예요.
so는 주로 형용사나 부사를 직접 강조하고(예: so tired), such a는 명사를 강조해요(예: such a nice day). 성질의 정도를 말하느냐, 어떤 종류의 명사냐의 차이죠.
형용사(so smart), 부사(so slowly), 또는 much/many 같은 수량 표현(so much work) 앞에 사용하세요. 품질이나 양을 강조할 때 씁니다.
In strict grammar, no. You should say absolutely delicious. However, in very casual speech, some people do it, but it sounds like a mistake to most native speakers.
They are often interchangeable. Absolutely is more common with extreme adjectives (absolutely wonderful), while completely is more common with absolute states (completely finished).
이전 챕터
Describing Things and Quantities
다음 챕터
Connecting Information with Relative Clauses
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