Adverbs of Emphasis: English Vocabulary List

used to indicate that something is completely accurate or correct

"That is exactly right."

"That is exactly what I wanted to say but I could not find the right words to express it."

to a full or complete degree

"I am wholly responsible."

"I am wholly responsible for this mistake and I apologize to everyone who was affected by it."

with no other reason or purpose involved

"This was purely an accident."

"This was purely an accident not intentional so please do not be angry with me for it."

in a way that cannot be avoided

"Big cars are not necessarily safer."

"Bigger cars are not necessarily safer than smaller ones despite what many people seem to believe."

used for putting emphasis on something that seems surprising but is true

"It was literally true."

"He was so hungry that he could literally eat a horse after his long hike through the mountains."

used to introduce the most important part of what is being said

"The weather was notably colder."

"The weather was notably colder than usual for this time of year so we wore extra layers."

used for showing that what you are saying is more closely related to a specific thing or person than others

"I love fruit especially apples."

"I love fruit especially apples and oranges because they are sweet and refreshing and good for health."

with anyone or anything else excluded

"I only have five dollars."

"I only have five dollars left in my wallet so I cannot afford to buy anything expensive today."

in the first place

"This is primarily it."

"The course is primarily designed for beginners who have no previous experience in the subject."

more than any other thing

"The city is mainly residential."

"The population is mainly composed of young people who work in the technology and service industries."

used to emphasize a quality or state

"The color is just perfect."

"I am just leaving now can I call you later when I arrive at my destination safely?"