Vocabulary: 'way' and 'far' as intensifiers (lesson & exercise)

Lesson:

You probably know that the word 'way' is a noun; one with many meanings including 'route' and 'method'. You probably also know that 'far' is an adjective meaning 'distant'.

As with so many things in English, though, these words have other, perhaps unexpected, meanings. Their use - mostly informal - takes many ESL students by surprise, but both of them can be said to mean 'much'. In other words, in many places where we can use the word 'much', we may also say 'way' or 'far'.

'Far' is the more accepted of the two. It can replace 'much' in these examples:

• This restaurant is much more expensive than that one.
• The bookcase is much too heavy for us to carry.
• Her condition is much worse than I had predicted.
• She was much happier without you.
• I've heard much too many complaints from people like you.

It could even be argued tnat in the last example 'far too many' is better sounding than 'much too many'.

In each of the above examples, using 'far' is suitable both in formal and informal contexts. Note, however, that all of the examples use either comparatives or 'too'. 'Way' has a broader range of uses, but is rather more informal in tone. In each of the above examples, using 'way' instead of 'much' or 'far' is grammatically possible, and gives the sentences a more conversational (some might say distinctly American) tone.

'Way' also fits into the following:

• The office is way down at the end of the hall.
• Your project is way over budget.
• It's way past your bedtime.
• I'm way annoyed at your behaviour.
• That was way cool! How did you do it?

The last two sentences, where it replaces 'very' are highly informal - almost to the point of being slang.

Lastly, of course, you may be familiar with the expression, 'No way!', meaning primarily either 'I won't do it!' (also in longer structures like 'No way I'm going to kiss her!') or 'I don't believe you', but usable in most situations where a simple 'No!' might be used as a response.

Exercise:

Fit the word 'way' into these sentences in the appropriate place:

1. I'm too old for this kind of nonsense.
2. She's more beautiful than I had expected.
3. Have you heard the new professor? She's intelligent.
4. Look up into the sky!
5. You're out of line, miss!