Podcast Summary: All Ears English Podcast Episode Title: AEE: Avoid This Mistake With Stacked Adjectives
Release Date: June 28, 2025
Hosts: Lindsay McMahon, Michelle Kaplan, and Aubrey Carter

Introduction

In this episode of the All Ears English Podcast, hosts Michelle Kaplan and Aubrey Carter delve into the common pitfalls learners face when using stacked adjectives in American English. The episode is designed to help intermediate to advanced ESL learners enhance their descriptive language skills, making their conversations more vibrant and native-like.

Understanding Stacked Adjectives

Michelle and Aubrey begin by introducing the concept of stacked adjectives, also known as cumulative adjectives. These are multiple adjectives placed before a noun to emphasize its qualities.

Aubrey Carter [04:08]:
"So, for example, this sentence, right? If you want to say, it is such a nice spa, it is a really nice spa. 'Really' and 'nice' are both adjectives. We're stacking them to emphasize how nice the spa is, how fancy it is."

They explain that while stacking adjectives can enrich descriptions, it's crucial to use them correctly to avoid grammatical errors.

Common Mistakes with Intensifiers

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the misuse of intensifiers like "so." Many language learners mistakenly believe that "so" can be used interchangeably with other intensifiers such as "really" or "very."

Aubrey Carter [03:17]:
"They are using 'so' a lot because it can sound like 'really' or 'very,' but the grammar is a little different."

Michelle adds that "so" cannot be used as an intensifier after an indefinite article ("a" or "an"), which is a common error among learners.

Michelle Kaplan [05:54]:
"After an indefinite article, 'so' cannot be used as an intensifier. So you cannot say 'this is a so fancy hotel' or 'it's a so delicious restaurant.'"

Proper Usage of Intensifiers

The hosts discuss the correct placement of intensifiers. Words like "really," "extremely," and "super" typically come before the adjective and can follow articles or verbs.

Aubrey Carter [05:30]:
"If you have that indefinite article, 'a' or 'an,' it's going to be 'really,' 'very,' 'extremely,' 'so,' etc., but not 'so.' This is the exception."

They emphasize that "so" should be placed directly after a verb when used as an intensifier.

Aubrey Carter [06:32]:
"When you're using 'so,' it must come directly after a verb. So, 'This spa is so nice.'"

Examples and Application

To illustrate these rules, Michelle and Aubrey provide various examples showcasing both correct and incorrect usages of stacked adjectives.

Examples Highlighted:

• Correct: "It is a really nice spa." [04:56]
• Incorrect: "It is a so nice spa." [04:56]
• Correct: "The food is so very delicious." [07:07]
• Incorrect: "This is a so expensive service." [05:54]

They also explore how stacking adjectives can convey both positive and negative sentiments effectively.

Aubrey Carter [08:20]:
"We use intensifiers not just for positive things but also to talk about how terrible things are. And again, don't use a monotone."

Pronunciation Tips: Avoiding Monotone

A critical insight shared by the hosts is the importance of intonation when using stacked adjectives. Speaking in a monotone can dilute the intended emphasis, making descriptions less impactful.

Michelle Kaplan [07:28]:
"No, that would be like, wait, really? It is? Because you don't sound excited about it at all."

Aubrey Carter [14:11]:
"If you're stacking adjectives like this, you have to hit them harder. You have to emphasize, bam, bam, bam."

Role-Play Exercise

To reinforce the lesson, Michelle and Aubrey engage in a role-play set in a Fijian resort. This interactive segment demonstrates the practical application of stacked adjectives in everyday conversations.

Aubrey Carter [12:58]:
"I'm so impressed by this resort."

Michelle Kaplan [13:12]:
"I saved mine to have tonight with a glass of wine."

Through their dialogue, they showcase the correct usage of intensifiers and the natural flow of conversation enriched by stacked adjectives.

Key Takeaways

• Stacked Adjectives: Use multiple adjectives to enhance descriptions, ensuring grammatical correctness.
• Intensifier Placement: "So" should follow verbs, while others like "really" and "extremely" can be more flexible.
• Avoid Monotone: Emphasize stacked adjectives with appropriate intonation to convey the intended emotion.
• Context Matters: Tailor the use of intensifiers based on the sentence structure and the sentiment you wish to express.

Conclusion

Michelle and Aubrey wrap up the episode by reiterating the importance of mastering stacked adjectives to sound more natural and engaging in American English. They encourage listeners to practice these techniques to avoid common mistakes and to add color to their conversations.

Michelle Kaplan [15:25]:
"This is huge, guys. This is going to help you sound more native and natural and just adding color to everything that you're saying."

By focusing on the correct usage of stacked adjectives and providing practical examples, this episode equips ESL learners with the tools needed to enhance their descriptive language skills effectively.