What is really? Pronunciation and usage in English

Let's break down how to use the word "really" in English. It's a versatile word that adds emphasis, but it's often misused. Here's a comprehensive guide:

1. Basic Intensifier:

• What it does: The most common use of "really" is to intensify adjectives and adverbs. It makes the word before it stronger.
• Examples:
  • "I really like pizza." (Stronger than "I like pizza.")
  • "That was really fun!" (Stronger than "That was fun.")
  • "She's really beautiful." (Stronger than "She's beautiful.")
  • "He ran really fast." (Stronger than "He ran fast.")

2. Adding Emphasis to Statements (Often with "Too"):

• What it does: "Really" can be used to emphasize a fact or declaration. It often works with "too."
• Examples:
  • "It’s raining really hard, isn't it?" (Emphasis on the intensity of the rain)
  • "I'm tired, really tired!" (Adding emphasis to the degree of tiredness)
  • "He won the lottery, really won it!" (Strengthening the statement about winning)
  • "I've never seen anything like it, too really!" (Combining emphasis - “really” adds to the surprise)

3. Expressing Surprise or Disbelief:

• What it does: “Really?” can be used as a reaction to something surprising or unexpected. It’s a question-like interjection.
• Examples:
  • "You won the prize? Really?" (Expressing surprise)
  • "He said he was going to quit his job? Really?" (Expressing disbelief)

4. With "Okay" (Informal):

• What it does: In very informal speech, "really okay?" is often used to express surprise or disbelief, similar to "are you serious?" or “you’re kidding!”
• Examples:
  • "You crashed the car? Really okay?" (Expressing shock and disbelief)

Important Considerations and Common Mistakes:

• Don't overuse it: "Really" can sound repetitive if you use it constantly. Choose your moments carefully. Sometimes the strength of the adjective or adverb itself is enough.
• Avoid using it with verbs: You generally shouldn't say "I really ate" or "He really sleeps." It’s grammatically awkward. Instead, say "I ate really much" (though this is less common and a little clumsy).
• Alternatives: Sometimes, you can replace "really" with stronger words without sounding redundant:
  • Instead of "I really like it," try "I love it!" or "I adore it!"
  • Instead of "That was really good," try "That was fantastic!" or "That was delicious!"

Here's a table summarizing the common uses:

Use	Example	Meaning
Intensifier	"It's really cold."	Makes the cold more intense.
Emphasis/With "too"	"I’m really hungry, too."	Emphasizes the level of hunger.
Surprise/Disbelief	"Really? You won?"	Expresses surprise or disbelief.
Informal - "Okay?"	“You got a new car? Really okay?”	Expresses surprise/ disbelief

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

• What kind of contexts are you struggling with using “really” in? (e.g., writing emails, speaking to friends, giving presentations?)