In English there are lots of other ways of saying very or very much. For example, we can use words such as highly, utterly, bitterly, deeply. These alternatives collocate strongly with specific words, and other combinations often sound unnatural.
A Highly
It is highly unlikely that I’ll finish my work on time.
Julia’s highly unusual behaviour began to worry her parents.
B Absolutely, utterly
It was an absolutely stupid comment to make.
The whole area was utterly devastated after the earthquake.
C Bitterly, deeply, ridiculously, strongly
I was bitterly disappointed when I failed the exam.
Professor McDellvit was always deeply committed to her students.
The restaurant was ridiculously expensive. I don’t think we’ll go there again.
I would strongly recommend that you learn a foreign language.
- English Collocations in Use Intermediate
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