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Cup cake Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

Pretty Cold

Hi Everyone,

I had an interesting question in class last night. One of my students wanted to know why we say the phrase, 'pretty cold'.

The sentence was "It's pretty cold outside.'

I'm assuming that 'pretty' is an adverb here, but I came to the conclusion that this possibly an idiom.

Am I right, or is this phrase something else?

Thanks,
Cup Cake.
  

Top answer

'Pretty' is widely used as an adverb meaning 'fairly, rather, quite'. I thought that was pretty well known.

— Fivejedjon

  • 'Pretty' is widely used as an adverb meaning 'fairly, rather, quite'.
  • I thought that was pretty well known.
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6 Answers
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'Pretty' is widely used as an adverb meaning 'fairly, rather, quite'. I thought that was pretty well known.
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Cup cakeI'm assuming that 'pretty' is an adverb here
Yup! It's an adverb of degree. pretty ~ fairly

It's pretty cold here too. It's pretty cold here pretty often during the months from November to March. In the other months it can be pretty hot, though. At least I'm pretty sure that that's right. But I'm
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Thanks for your replies folks.
I have one student who 'demands' more from the parts than the total whole, if that makes sense.

I just wanted to confirm that I was on the right track.
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Cup cakestudent who 'demands' more
So annoying, isn't it? I'm sure you'll find a satisfactory way of handling your demanding student.
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Cup cakeI have one student who 'demands' more from the parts than the total whole, if that makes sense.
Oh yes. They keep you on your toes, don't they?
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Yep, they sure do!

It's why I've joined this fabulous forum. I'm the only English teacher at my college, so I don't have anyone with whom I can share ideas.
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