ever so
Definition
Adverb: - To a very great degree; very: Used as an intensifier before adjectives to emphasize the described quality. It is an informal, emphatic expression meaning "very" or "extremely."
Usage
- Position: "Ever so" is always placed directly before an adjective (e.g., , ). It cannot be used before a verb or adverb derived from an adjective (e.g., you cannot say "He ran ever so").
- Register: The phrase is common in informal, conversational British English. It conveys a sense of warmth, emphasis, or slight exaggeration.
Examples
- Before an adjective:
- Thank you, that was ever so kind of you.
- The children were ever so quiet while you were sleeping.
- It's ever so cold outside today.
Advanced Usage
- "Ever so" + Adjective + "that" clause: The intensity described by "ever so" can be linked to a result.
- The music was ever so loud that we couldn't hear ourselves think.
- "Ever so" with comparative forms: While less common, it can informally intensify comparatives.
- She felt ever so much better after a good night's sleep.
Variants and Related Words
- Ever such a: An informal variant used before a noun phrase with an adjective.
- He's ever such a nice man. (He is a very nice man.)
- So ever: This is not a standard variant. The correct fixed phrase is "ever so."
Synonyms
- Very: The most direct and neutral synonym.
- Extremely: Suggests a degree at the far end of a scale.
- Exceptionally: Implies standing out from the norm.
- Tremendously: An informal intensifier suggesting great size or degree.
- Awfully / Terribly: Informal intensifiers, similar in conversational use to "ever so."
Notes on Meaning
- Emphatic Function: The core meaning of "ever so" is not to add new information but to strengthen the force of the adjective it modifies. Its primary role is emphasis.
- Politeness/Softening: It can sometimes soften a request or statement, making it sound less blunt.
- Could you close the door? It's ever so drafty in here.
Adverb
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(intensifier for adjectives) very
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she was ever so friendly
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