C1 ADVANCED · GRAMMAR · PART 4

Emphasis

I do like it, the very best, whatsoever, by far, on earth – ways to make a point stronger.

Finn says

Sometimes you want to stress a point: to contradict someone, to show surprise, or to make an argument stronger. These structures do exactly that.

Emphatic do and intensifiers

do / does / did + verb

contrast or strong feeling

I do understand – I just disagree. She did call, but you were out.

by far / easily

with superlatives

It's by far the best film this year.

the very

exactly, extremely

That's the very thing I was looking for.

whatsoever / at all

after negatives

I have no idea whatsoever.

on earth / ever

after question words

What on earth are you doing? Whoever told you that?

such / so

strong feelings

It was such a relief.

what + noun

exclamations

What a mess!

it is … that

see Cleft sentences

It was Anna who called, not Tom.

In Part 4 you complete the second sentence with the key word, so that it means the same as the first one (3–6 words).

It is definitely the best restaurant in town.
FAR
It is by far the best restaurant in town.

By far + superlative.

I have absolutely no idea where he is.
WHATSOEVER
I have no idea whatsoever where he is.

Whatsoever after a negative noun phrase.

You're wrong – I really locked the door.
DID
You're wrong – I did lock the door.

Emphatic did + infinitive.

✗ I did locked the door.✓ I did lock the door.Emphatic do / did + infinitive.
✗ It's the far best hotel.✓ It's by far the best hotel.By far goes before the superlative.
✗ I have not any idea whatsoever.✓ I have no idea whatsoever.Whatsoever follows no + noun (or any + noun in a negative).

Finn's exam tip

Emphatic do is great in Speaking to contradict politely: 'I do see your point, but…' It sounds natural and shows range.

Complete the second sentence so that it means the same as the first. Use the key word and write 3–6 words.

Practice → Check → Learn → Repeat ↻