Adverb intensifiers can be used to emphasize verbs. These emphatic expressions are used in formal English in written documents and when speaking at formal occasions and giving presentations. Here is a list of some of the most common of these intensifiers.
Intensifiers
categorically – in every manner, without reserve
deeply – strongly, with much feeling
enthusiastically – with great joy
freely – without hesitation
fully – completely, without any doubt
honestly – truly believing
positively – without any doubt
readily – without hesitation
sincerely – with best wishes
strongly – with conviction
totally – without any doubt
utterly – without any doubt
These are generally used with specific verbs to create emphatic expressions. These intensifier + verb combinations are strong collocations. Collocations are words that are always or often used together. Here is a list of the intensifier + verb combinations which make up the emphatic
expressions: Intensifier + Verb Collocations =
categorically deny – In no way did I do something.
deeply regret – I am strongly sorry for my actions.
enthusiastically endorse – I happily, and with my whole heart believe in something.
freely appreciate – I certainly understand something.
fully recognize – I am aware of some situation.
honestly believe – I think something is true without any doubt.
positively encourage – I hope that you do something very
readily endorse – I believe in something someone else does without hesitation.
sincerely hope – I honestly want something for someone else.
strongly recommend – I really think you should do something.
totally reject – I refuse to believe or do in any case.
utterly refuse – I completely do not want to do or believe.
Here are example sentences for each of these emphatic expressions:
We categorically deny any involvement in the scandal.
I deeply regret the loss of your loved one.
I enthusiastically endorse the local cancer society.
We freely appreciate the current difficulties in this market.
I fully recognize your need to improve your career.
I honestly believe he is telling the truth.
We’d like to positively encourage you to buy this stock.
Our company readily endorses his run for office.
I sincerely hope you are able to find employment soon.
I’d like to strongly recommend you visit an employment specialist.
They totally reject any compromise in these negotiations.
