Special intensifiers Certain adjectives are followed by specific intensifiers, which in the absence of a suitable equivalent in English (e.g. brand new, pitch black, fast asleep, etc.), can be translated as "very". Such intensifiers, used in moderation, can add a more lively flavour to descriptions and are a useful addition to the more advanced learner's vocabulary. Note that some adjectives (e.g. cold, red) have more than one specific intensifier, while some specific intensifiers can be used with more than one adjective.