[Mastering English Modifiers: A Guide to 'Too', 'Very', and 'Enough']-[Too, very, enough]

Learning English Grammar · A2 · 2024-04-16

📋 Summary

Mastering English Modifiers: A Guide to 'Too', 'Very', and 'Enough'

In this episode of BBC's 6-Minute Grammar, hosts Katherine and Rob explore the nuances of describing things by focusing on specific modifiers: "too," "very," "enough," "too much," and "too many." Through a practical scenario of clothes shopping, they provide clear rules for usage.

Describing with 'Too' and 'Very'

When describing objects, the choice of modifier significantly changes the meaning:

Using 'Too' with Adjectives: The hosts explain that "too" before an adjective indicates that something is not right—usually because it exceeds a desired limit. For instance, when Katherine tries on a dress, she notes it is "too big" or "too small," implying it is either larger or smaller than she needs.
Using 'Very' for Intensity: Conversely, "very" is used to make an adjective stronger. When Katherine sees a red dress, she notes it is "very expensive" (at £150), emphasizing the high cost rather than suggesting it is an inappropriate amount.

Understanding 'Enough'

"Enough" is used to describe the right amount of something, but its placement depends on the word class it modifies:

With Adjectives: "Enough" follows the adjective. Katherine finds a green dress that is "big enough" and "long enough," meaning it fits perfectly.
With Nouns: "Enough" precedes the noun. When discussing payment, they ask, "Do you have enough money?" or note that Katherine "doesn't have enough cash," illustrating its use in both positive and negative contexts to signify whether one has the required amount.

Quantifiers: 'Too Much' vs. 'Too Many'

The episode concludes by distinguishing between "too much" and "too many" when discussing excessive quantities:

'Too Many' for Countables: Used with plural countable nouns. Katherine recounts that there were "too many people" wearing her dress, emphasizing that the number of people was higher than she wanted.
'Too Much' for Uncountables: Used with uncountable nouns. Katherine admits she "ate too much food," and the hosts clarify that the red dress cost "too much money."

Final Linguistic Tips

Strong Adjectives: The hosts provide a crucial warning: do not use "very" with strong adjectives (e.g., "very fantastic"). Instead, use absolute intensifiers like "absolutely fantastic."
Summary Table:
- Too + Adjective: Used when something is not right (e.g., "too small").
- Very + Adjective: Used to strengthen the adjective (e.g., "very expensive").
- Adjective + Enough: Used for the right amount (e.g., "big enough").
- Enough + Noun: Used for the right amount of a substance/item (e.g., "enough money").

🎯Key Sentences

I see what you mean.

Let's take it before you change your mind.

I see what you're saying.

You're very generous.

It's just like magic, isn't it?

Expand All

📝Key Phrases

not really my colour

I see what you mean

before you change your mind

have enough cash on me

would you mind

Expand All

📖 Transcript

This is the BBC. This podcast is supported by advertising outside the UK.

Ryan Reynolds here from Mint Mobile.

With the price of just about everything going up during inflation, we thought we'd bring our prices down.

So to help us, we brought in a reverse auctioneer, which is apparently a thing.

Mint Mobile, I'm limited.

Premier wireless. I'm ready to get 30, 30, 30, 30, 30, I'm ready to get 20, 20, 20, 20, 20, 20, I'm ready to get 15, 15, 15, 15, 15 bucks a month.

Or study on the web version →