Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing cover image

Why and When 'Very Unique' Is Wrong. Capitalizing 'Delta Variant' (or Not). Happy to You.

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

00:00

Using Unique in a Gradable Way

There is variability in how we can combine adverbs and adjectives. Some intensifiers work with gradable adjectives better than others. We technically can use intensifiers to modify absolute adjectives, like very awake or so absent. In some ways, using unique in a gradable way is an example of an ception to these adverb adjective combo rules. Despite not being a technically acceptable definition, people often use unique to mean uncommon plus.

Transcript
Play full episode

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app