What Are Qualifiers? | Examples & Meaning

Qualifiers are a type of adverb that amplifies or weakens the meaning of other words in a sentence (e.g., “barely noticeable”). A qualifier provides information about the intensity, frequency, or likelihood of an action or description. Some of the most common qualifiers include “very,” “really,” and “almost.”

In sentences, qualifiers usually go right before the adjectives, verbs, or other adverbs that they modify.

Qualifiers in sentences examples
The temperature is slightly colder today than yesterday.

I mostly relaxed all weekend except for mowing the lawn on Sunday.

The new dishwasher works very efficiently.

Qualifiers that show intensity

One of the main uses for qualifiers is to show the intensity of a verb, adjective, or adverb. These qualifiers show the degree to which something occurs or demonstrates a certain characteristic. Another term for these qualifiers is adverbs of degree. Qualifiers that strengthen intensity are intensifiers. Qualifiers that reduce intensity are downtoners.

Qualifiers of degree examples
Qualifier Qualifier meaning Example
Barely To the smallest possible extent The car was barely scratched from the minor accident.
Somewhat To a small degree The jigsaw puzzle was somewhat difficult.
Slightly Business class seats have slightly more legroom than economy class seats.
Almost To a great extent (but not the fullest extent) The almost full moon illuminated the clear sky.
Considerably Cinema tickets are considerably more expensive than they used to be.
Mostly We mostly stayed indoors because it was raining.
Significantly The students’ reading skills significantly improved after the teacher revised the curriculum.
Extremely Sarah is an extremely cautious driver.
Exceptionally The drummer ended the show with an exceptionally long solo.
Really Some of the comedian’s jokes were really clever.
Very I’m very certain that it’s going to rain.
Quite The film was long but quite entertaining.
Completely To the fullest possible extent Only one student earned a completely perfect score on the test.
Fully The fully-stocked refrigerator included three types of fruit.

Qualifiers that show frequency

Other qualifiers show the frequency of an action or a description. These qualifiers are also called adverbs of frequency.

Qualifiers of frequency examples
Qualifier Qualifier meaning Example
Never Not at all The athletic center is never open on Sundays.
Seldom/Seldomly Not very frequently Writers seldom use second-person pronouns in academic writing.
Rarely The professor rarely assigns homework on Friday.
Sometimes With some frequency Paul Rudd sometimes narrates nature documentaries.
Occasionally The mail occasionally arrives before noon.
Frequently With significant frequency Cierra frequently visits Lake Tahoe.
Usually Priya usually reads fiction before bed.
Always Every time or at all times The flight to Oakland is always full.

Qualifiers that show likelihood

Some qualifiers show whether an action or description is likely or unlikely. Sometimes these are called adverbs of probability or certainty.

Qualifiers of probability examples
Qualifier Qualifier meaning Example
Potentially Somewhat likely Classes are cancelled due to potentially dangerous roads.
Possibly I can possibly meet for lunch on Friday if I don’t have a meeting.
Presumably Likely (to the best of your knowledge) Nintendo Switch 2 presumably has amazing graphics.
Apparently Squirrels have apparently dug up all the tulips.
Probably Highly likely The new season of Foundation will probably air in 2025.

When to use qualifiers

Qualifiers can make writing more precise when they accurately describe a situation. When they’re not necessary or accurate, qualifiers can cause confusion or unnecessary verbiage.

Suppose a friend says that they would like to visit you this Saturday. If you know that you have plans, but a visit is possible, you could say “I’m probably too busy, but I could possibly visit for an hour.” If you’re scheduled to work all day, it’s more precise to say “I’m sorry, but I’m too busy.”

The qualifier “very” can sometimes lead to imprecise writing. When you see “very” with an adjective, consider other adjectives that mean the same thing. For example, the adjective “hilarious” means the same thing as “very funny,” and “exhausted” is a good synonym for “very tired.”

When to avoid very examples
  • We watched a very interesting documentary about bees.
  • We watched a fascinating documentary about bees.
  • Mikayla wrote a very short message on the card.
  • Mikayla wrote a brief message on the card.
Tip
Only use qualifiers when you need to clarify the intensity, frequently, or likelihood of an action or description. Avoid using them as mitigators to sound more polite, especially when they don’t match the reality of a situation.

  • I sort of have a doctor’s appointment on Tuesday, so I will possibly be an hour late to work.
  • I have a doctor’s appointment on Tuesday, so I will be an hour late to work.

QuillBot’s free Paraphraser can help you ensure that any qualifiers in your writing are accurate and effective.

Frequently asked questions about qualifiers

Is very an adverb?

Very is an adverb that means “to a great extent.” It’s an adverb of degree, which is a type of qualifier.

In a sentence, “very” usually goes before the adjective that it modifies (e.g., “The very loud thunder shook the whole house”).

When you’re writing with “very” and other qualifiers, QuillBot’s free Paraphraser can help you choose the right words.

What’s the meaning of possibly?

The meaning of possibly is “somewhat likely.” “Possibly” is a qualifier and an adverb of probability.

Use “possibly” to modify a verb when you want to show that something might happen (e.g., “Depending on financial aid, Martin can possibly start law school this fall”).

You can also use “possibly” to modify an adjective (e.g., “Dave is possibly the nicest person I’ve ever met”).

QuillBot’s free Paraphraser can help you use “possibly” and other qualifiers correctly in your writing.

Is sometimes one word?

Use “sometime” as an adverb that means “at some point in time” (e.g., “I’ll get to that sometime”).

Use “sometimes” as an adverb that means “occasionally” or “from time to time” (e.g., “Sometimes I watch TV, but I usually prefer reading”).

Keep in mind that “sometime” (with no “s”) can also be used as an adjective meaning “former,” but this usage is less common (e.g., “He was a sometime actor before becoming a producer”.

QuillBot’s Grammar Checker can help you confidently use these words and other tricky, similar-sounding terms with accuracy. Try it today!

Is always an adverb?

Yes, “always” is an adverb and is used to signify “every time” or “all the time” (e.g., “Suzie always checks her email before starting work”).

Try a QuillBot Grammar Check to get instant feedback on how well you’re using adverbs of frequency in your writing.

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Nicole Routh, M.Ed

Nicole has a master’s in English Education and detailed expertise in writing and grammar instruction. She’s taught college writing courses and written handbooks that empowered students worldwide.