student asking question

What's the difference of the nuance between "really was tired" and "was really tired"?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

In "really was tired" really is being used in reference to truth. She is saying maybe he wasn't lying about being tired. In "was really tired" really is being used as an intensifier, meaning very tired or extremely tired. So in this situation she chose "really was" because she is encouraging her friend to believe him. Ex: I was really late for class. Ex: I was really angry at my brother. Ex: I really was late for class. Ex: I really was angry with my brother.

Popular Q&As

04/21

Complete the expression with a quiz!