Cool MateBoost vs Intensify
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Boost
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
Intensify
Top 2,000 (common)C1verb
Most common: Boost
| Boost | Intensify | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/buːst/","/buːsts/","/ˈbuːstɪd/","/ˈbuːstɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/buːst/","/buːsts/","/ˈbuːstɪd/","/ˈbuːstɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪnˈtensɪfaɪ/","/ɪnˈtensɪfaɪz/","/ɪnˈtensɪfaɪd/","/ɪnˈtensɪfaɪɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪnˈtensɪfaɪ/","/ɪnˈtensɪfaɪz/","/ɪnˈtensɪfaɪd/","/ɪnˈtensɪfaɪɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | to increase or improve something | To make something stronger or more extreme. |
| Example | to boost exports/profits | Violence intensified during the night. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | considerably, dramatically, greatly, help (to), to | greatly, dramatically, rapidly, seem to, tend to, be likely to |
| Antonyms | decrease, diminish, reduce | diminish, reduce, weaken |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'boast' – they have different meanings., Using 'boost' with uncountable nouns incorrectly., Confusing transitive use of 'boost' with intransitive. | Using 'intensify' incorrectly with inanimate objects, like 'intensify the chair.', Confusing 'intensify' with 'intensification', which is a different form., Using 'intensify' in past tense incorrectly, such as 'intensified' without context. |
| Usage notes | Used in various contexts, such as improving performance or enhancing qualities. Avoid in highly formal contexts. | Use 'intensify' when describing emotions, situations, or actions that become stronger. It fits in both formal and informal contexts, but avoid using it in very casual conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Boost vs Intensify
What's the difference between Boost and Intensify?
Boost: to increase or improve something Intensify: To make something stronger or more extreme.
Which is more common: Boost and Intensify?
Boost is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Boost and Intensify?
Intensify is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Boost and Intensify the same CEFR level?
Boost: B2, Intensify: C1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Boost and Intensify?
Boost: verb, Intensify: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Boost: to boost exports/profits Intensify: Violence intensified during the night.
Can I use Boost and Intensify interchangeably?
Not always. Boost and Intensify are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.