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Chapter 3 - Intensifiers

Forms, Features, and Functions

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 March 2024

Claudia Claridge
Affiliation:
University of Augsburg
Ewa Jonsson
Affiliation:
Mid Sweden University
Merja Kytö
Affiliation:
Uppsala University
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Summary

In this theoretical background chapter, intensifiers are defined as degree-indicating devices and distinguished from items indicating similar and partly overlapping concepts such as quantification, emphasis, focus, and modality. They are subclassified into the categories of amplifiers (maximizers, boosters) and downtoners (moderators, diminishers, minimizers), with different semantic characteristics and effects. Formally, they are restricted to one-word adverbs, both with and without the -ly suffix. Their typical collocational associations and syntactic behaviour regarding preferred modified targets is dealt with. Their pragmatic distributions in different situational contexts is briefly touched on

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Intensifiers in Late Modern English
A Sociopragmatic Approach to Courtroom Discourse
, pp. 35 - 63
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2024

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  • Intensifiers
  • Claudia Claridge, University of Augsburg, Ewa Jonsson, Mid Sweden University, Merja Kytö, Uppsala University
  • Book: Intensifiers in Late Modern English
  • Online publication: 15 March 2024
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108560627.003
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  • Intensifiers
  • Claudia Claridge, University of Augsburg, Ewa Jonsson, Mid Sweden University, Merja Kytö, Uppsala University
  • Book: Intensifiers in Late Modern English
  • Online publication: 15 March 2024
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108560627.003
Available formats
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Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

  • Intensifiers
  • Claudia Claridge, University of Augsburg, Ewa Jonsson, Mid Sweden University, Merja Kytö, Uppsala University
  • Book: Intensifiers in Late Modern English
  • Online publication: 15 March 2024
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108560627.003
Available formats
×