VOCABULARY: Emphatic Expressions (C1 / C2)

The are many ways to show emphasis in English and one of them is to use an intensifier followed by a verb (INTENSIFIER + VERB).

1.     Choose the correct verb to complete the collocations.

recognize                   encourage                         deny                                  endorse(x2)                    reject                          hope                      appreciate                  regret                       believe                              recommend                refuse

1.     Categorically __________. In no way did I do something.

2.     Deeply __________. I am strongly sorry for my actions.

3.     Enthusiastically __________. I happily, and with all my heart believe in something.

4.     Freely __________. I certainly understand something.

5.     Fully __________. I am aware of some situation.

6.     Honestly __________. I think something is true without any doubt.

7.     Positively __________. I hope that you do something very strongly.

8.     Readily __________. I believe in something someone else does without hesitation.

9.     Sincerely __________. I honestly want something for someone else.

10.  Strongly __________. I really think you should do something.

11.  Totally __________. I refuse to believe or do in any case.

12.  Utterly __________. I completely do not want to do or believe.

2.     Fill in the blanks with the correct expression.

A.    We ________________ any involvement in the scandal.

B.    They ________________ any compromise in these negotiations.

C.    I ________________ the local cancer society.

D.    We ________________ the current difficulties in this market.

E.     Our company ________________ his run for the office.

F.     I’m afraid I ________________ to believe anything he says.

G.    I ________________ he is telling the truth.

H.    I ________________ you are able to find employment soon.

I.       I’d like to ________________ you visit an employment specialist.

J.     I ________________ your need to improve your career.

K.    We’d like to ________________ you to buy this stock.

L.     I ________________ the loss of your loved one.

ANSWER KEY: 

1)

1.deny 2.regret 3.endorse 4.appreciate 5.recognise 6.believe 7.encourage 8.endorse 9.hope 10.recommend 11.reject 12. Refuse. 

2)

A.categorically deny B.totally reject C.enthusiastically reject D.freely appreciate E.readily endorses F.utterly refuse G.honestly believe H.sincerely hope I.strongly recommend J.fully recognise K. positively encourage L.deeply regret