Series route: This guide belongs to the complete PSLE Learner’s Guide volume directory. The original PSLE Learning Guide supplies the wider English, Mathematics and Science route, while PSLE English provide verified subject-specific continuation.
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This volume solves one precise learner problem: the learner assumes that pretty is only an adjective, uses prettily before another adjective as a degree word, or treats pretty and prettily as interchangeable whenever appearance is discussed. The aim is not to memorise a slogan. It is to understand the mechanism well enough to recognise the idea when the wording, numbers, diagram or context changes. A Primary 6 learner should be able to explain the decision, perform it under time pressure, and detect a tempting answer that only looks familiar.
- Understand the mechanism before memorising a form.
- Study the worked examples and compare near-misses.
- Repair common misconceptions with targeted tests.
- Complete graded independent practice before reading the answers.
- Use delayed transfer and examination control to make the skill durable.
- Use the parent and tutor notes only after the learner has attempted the work.
The problem beneath the mistake
“A pretty garden” uses pretty as an adjective. It describes the garden as attractive or pleasing.
“The puzzle was pretty difficult” uses pretty as a degree adverb meaning fairly or quite. It changes the strength of difficult; it does not describe the puzzle’s appearance.
“The flowers were arranged prettily” uses prettily as a manner adverb. It tells how the arranging was done.
The forms are related, but they do not fill the same slots. Pretty can modify a noun or, informally, an adjective or adverb. Prettily usually modifies an action or resulting arrangement.
Register matters. Pretty meaning fairly is common in conversation and accessible prose, but fairly, quite or rather may be safer in formal school writing when tone matters.
Degree must be calibrated. Pretty difficult normally means noticeably difficult, not necessarily extremely difficult. Context and voice affect the exact strength.
Prettily should describe a pleasing manner that can reasonably apply to the verb. A person can write prettily in an ornamental style, arrange objects prettily or decorate a room prettily.
Pretty is not automatically a compliment about a person. It may describe an object, pattern, place, sound or outcome, and writers should choose respectful, precise details.
A sentence can contain both jobs: “The pretty cards were arranged prettily.” The first form modifies cards; the second modifies were arranged.
Position helps but does not decide alone. Pretty before difficult is an adverb; pretty before dress is an adjective. The modified word reveals the job.
A paraphrase exposes the meaning. Test attractive for the adjective, fairly or quite for the degree adverb, and in an attractive manner for prettily.
The safe routine is identify the modified word, label adjective, degree adverb or manner adverb, test a precise paraphrase, check register and strength, then reread the whole sentence.
Core decision: Use “pretty” as an adjective meaning attractive, pleasing or delicate-looking. In informal and neutral conversation, “pretty” can also be a degree adverb meaning fairly or quite, as in pretty difficult. Use “prettily” as a manner adverb meaning in an attractive, graceful or pleasing way, as in arranged prettily. Choose from grammatical job, intended meaning and register.
A useful rule has three parts: a trigger, an operation and a check. The trigger tells you when the rule applies. The operation tells you what to do. The check tells you whether the result still matches the meaning of the question. Learners who remember only the operation often apply it in the wrong place; learners who remember only an example often freeze when the surface details change.
Mechanism: why the rule works
1. Find the modified word
The form may describe a noun, strengthen an adjective, or describe an action.
Diagnostic question: What exact word receives the meaning? Reliable response: Underline that word before choosing the form.
2. Test the adjective job
Pretty can describe a person, object, pattern, sound or place as attractive or pleasing.
Diagnostic question: Could attractive replace it? Reliable response: Use pretty before or after a linking verb for that sense.
3. Test the degree job
Pretty can mean fairly or quite before an adjective or adverb.
Diagnostic question: Could fairly replace it without changing the structure? Reliable response: Use pretty only when the register permits the informal degree sense.
4. Test the manner job
Prettily describes how an action is performed or how something is arranged.
Diagnostic question: Could in an attractive manner replace it? Reliable response: Use prettily for manner.
5. Calibrate strength
Pretty as a degree word is not automatically extreme.
Diagnostic question: Where does the claim sit between slightly and extremely? Reliable response: Choose a clearer degree word if precision matters.
6. Check register
A conversational degree adverb may sound too informal in a formal explanation.
Diagnostic question: Who is speaking and what genre is being written? Reliable response: Use fairly or quite when formal clarity is better.
Worked examples: make the decision visible
Do not race through these examples. Before reading each explanation, name the evidence that matters and the information that does not. Then compare the correct route with the tempting route. That comparison is where the transferable learning sits.
Worked example 1: Adjective before noun
Task. The garden had a ___ path.
Reasoning. The blank modifies path and means attractive. The controlling idea is the word being modified, the difference between appearance and degree, the difference between degree and manner, and the level of formality. This prevents a learner from choosing an answer merely because one word, number or observation resembles a remembered example.
Answer. The garden had a pretty path.
Independent check. Attractive path preserves the structure. A good check approaches the conclusion from a different direction. Repeating the same steps more slowly may repeat the same hidden assumption.
Worked example 2: Subject complement
Task. The pattern looked ___.
Reasoning. The form follows a linking verb and describes the pattern. The controlling idea is the word being modified, the difference between appearance and degree, the difference between degree and manner, and the level of formality. This prevents a learner from choosing an answer merely because one word, number or observation resembles a remembered example.
Answer. The pattern looked pretty.
Independent check. Prettily would normally describe how an action was done. A good check approaches the conclusion from a different direction. Repeating the same steps more slowly may repeat the same hidden assumption.
Worked example 3: Degree before adjective
Task. The final question was ___ challenging.
Reasoning. The form modifies challenging and means fairly or quite. The controlling idea is the word being modified, the difference between appearance and degree, the difference between degree and manner, and the level of formality. This prevents a learner from choosing an answer merely because one word, number or observation resembles a remembered example.
Answer. The final question was pretty challenging.
Independent check. For formal prose, fairly challenging may be preferable. A good check approaches the conclusion from a different direction. Repeating the same steps more slowly may repeat the same hidden assumption.
Worked example 4: Degree before adverb
Task. The runner moved ___ quickly for the first lap.
Reasoning. Pretty modifies quickly and marks degree. The controlling idea is the word being modified, the difference between appearance and degree, the difference between degree and manner, and the level of formality. This prevents a learner from choosing an answer merely because one word, number or observation resembles a remembered example.
Answer. The runner moved pretty quickly.
Independent check. It does not mean attractively quickly. A good check approaches the conclusion from a different direction. Repeating the same steps more slowly may repeat the same hidden assumption.
Worked example 5: Manner of arrangement
Task. The shells were arranged ___ around the frame.
Reasoning. The blank describes how they were arranged. The controlling idea is the word being modified, the difference between appearance and degree, the difference between degree and manner, and the level of formality. This prevents a learner from choosing an answer merely because one word, number or observation resembles a remembered example.
Answer. The shells were arranged prettily.
Independent check. In an attractive manner is the test. A good check approaches the conclusion from a different direction. Repeating the same steps more slowly may repeat the same hidden assumption.
Worked example 6: Manner of decoration
Task. Mina decorated the cover ___.
Reasoning. The adverb modifies decorated. The controlling idea is the word being modified, the difference between appearance and degree, the difference between degree and manner, and the level of formality. This prevents a learner from choosing an answer merely because one word, number or observation resembles a remembered example.
Answer. Mina decorated the cover prettily.
Independent check. Name the pleasing design detail. A good check approaches the conclusion from a different direction. Repeating the same steps more slowly may repeat the same hidden assumption.
Worked example 7: Two jobs
Task. The ___ labels were written ___.
Reasoning. The first modifies labels; the second modifies written. The controlling idea is the word being modified, the difference between appearance and degree, the difference between degree and manner, and the level of formality. This prevents a learner from choosing an answer merely because one word, number or observation resembles a remembered example.
Answer. The pretty labels were written prettily.
Independent check. Label adjective and manner adverb. A good check approaches the conclusion from a different direction. Repeating the same steps more slowly may repeat the same hidden assumption.
Worked example 8: Formal edit
Task. The result was pretty accurate.
Reasoning. The meaning is reasonably accurate, but register may be conversational. The controlling idea is the word being modified, the difference between appearance and degree, the difference between degree and manner, and the level of formality. This prevents a learner from choosing an answer merely because one word, number or observation resembles a remembered example.
Answer. The result was fairly accurate.
Independent check. Compare with the measured value. A good check approaches the conclusion from a different direction. Repeating the same steps more slowly may repeat the same hidden assumption.
Deepening lab: compare cases, conditions and limits
A method becomes independent when you can say where it applies, where it stops and which change would alter the conclusion. The cases below deliberately vary one structural feature at a time. For each case, pause before the analysis and predict whether the core rule remains available. Then name the exact condition that controls the decision. This is harder than repeating a worked solution, but it is also closer to what an unfamiliar examination item demands.
Deepening case 1: Pretty flower
Case. The word describes a flower.
Analysis. Pretty is an adjective meaning attractive. Notice that the answer depends on the word being modified, the difference between appearance and degree, the difference between degree and manner, and the level of formality; changing a decorative detail would not be enough to change the reasoning.
Challenge. Add a specific visual detail. State the conclusion in one precise sentence, then add one sentence that names the evidence or relationship that makes it valid.
Deepening case 2: Flower arranged prettily
Case. The word describes an arranging action.
Analysis. Prettily is a manner adverb. Notice that the answer depends on the word being modified, the difference between appearance and degree, the difference between degree and manner, and the level of formality; changing a decorative detail would not be enough to change the reasoning.
Challenge. Name the arrangement. State the conclusion in one precise sentence, then add one sentence that names the evidence or relationship that makes it valid.
Deepening case 3: Pretty hard
Case. The phrase means fairly difficult in informal use.
Analysis. Pretty is a degree adverb. Notice that the answer depends on the word being modified, the difference between appearance and degree, the difference between degree and manner, and the level of formality; changing a decorative detail would not be enough to change the reasoning.
Challenge. Edit for formal register. State the conclusion in one precise sentence, then add one sentence that names the evidence or relationship that makes it valid.
Deepening case 4: Pretty quickly
Case. The phrase means fairly quickly.
Analysis. Pretty modifies an adverb. Notice that the answer depends on the word being modified, the difference between appearance and degree, the difference between degree and manner, and the level of formality; changing a decorative detail would not be enough to change the reasoning.
Challenge. Place it on a speed scale. State the conclusion in one precise sentence, then add one sentence that names the evidence or relationship that makes it valid.
Deepening case 5: Look pretty
Case. A linking verb connects the subject to a quality.
Analysis. Pretty remains an adjective. Notice that the answer depends on the word being modified, the difference between appearance and degree, the difference between degree and manner, and the level of formality; changing a decorative detail would not be enough to change the reasoning.
Challenge. Contrast look prettily. State the conclusion in one precise sentence, then add one sentence that names the evidence or relationship that makes it valid.
Deepening case 6: Smile prettily
Case. The adverb describes the manner of smiling.
Analysis. Prettily modifies an action. Notice that the answer depends on the word being modified, the difference between appearance and degree, the difference between degree and manner, and the level of formality; changing a decorative detail would not be enough to change the reasoning.
Challenge. Avoid vague praise by describing evidence. State the conclusion in one precise sentence, then add one sentence that names the evidence or relationship that makes it valid.
Deepening case 7: Pretty certain
Case. The speaker is fairly confident.
Analysis. Pretty marks degree, not appearance. Notice that the answer depends on the word being modified, the difference between appearance and degree, the difference between degree and manner, and the level of formality; changing a decorative detail would not be enough to change the reasoning.
Challenge. Choose a percentage range cautiously. State the conclusion in one precise sentence, then add one sentence that names the evidence or relationship that makes it valid.
Deepening case 8: Pretty small
Case. The size is fairly small.
Analysis. Degree is moderate and context-dependent. Notice that the answer depends on the word being modified, the difference between appearance and degree, the difference between degree and manner, and the level of formality; changing a decorative detail would not be enough to change the reasoning.
Challenge. Compare with very small. State the conclusion in one precise sentence, then add one sentence that names the evidence or relationship that makes it valid.
Deepening case 9: Pretty name
Case. The name sounds or appears pleasing.
Analysis. Pretty is an adjective. Notice that the answer depends on the word being modified, the difference between appearance and degree, the difference between degree and manner, and the level of formality; changing a decorative detail would not be enough to change the reasoning.
Challenge. Explain which feature pleases. State the conclusion in one precise sentence, then add one sentence that names the evidence or relationship that makes it valid.
Deepening case 10: Write prettily
Case. Handwriting or prose has an ornamental pleasing manner.
Analysis. Prettily modifies write. Notice that the answer depends on the word being modified, the difference between appearance and degree, the difference between degree and manner, and the level of formality; changing a decorative detail would not be enough to change the reasoning.
Challenge. Distinguish beauty from accuracy. State the conclusion in one precise sentence, then add one sentence that names the evidence or relationship that makes it valid.
Deepening case 11: Pretty well
Case. The performance is reasonably good.
Analysis. Pretty modifies well as a degree word. Notice that the answer depends on the word being modified, the difference between appearance and degree, the difference between degree and manner, and the level of formality; changing a decorative detail would not be enough to change the reasoning.
Challenge. Do not call it perfect. State the conclusion in one precise sentence, then add one sentence that names the evidence or relationship that makes it valid.
Deepening case 12: Prettily coloured
Case. The colouring is done in a pleasing manner.
Analysis. Prettily modifies the participle coloured. Notice that the answer depends on the word being modified, the difference between appearance and degree, the difference between degree and manner, and the level of formality; changing a decorative detail would not be enough to change the reasoning.
Challenge. Name the colour relation. State the conclusion in one precise sentence, then add one sentence that names the evidence or relationship that makes it valid.
Deepening case 13: Pretty colour
Case. The colour itself is pleasing.
Analysis. Pretty modifies the noun colour. Notice that the answer depends on the word being modified, the difference between appearance and degree, the difference between degree and manner, and the level of formality; changing a decorative detail would not be enough to change the reasoning.
Challenge. Compare jobs. State the conclusion in one precise sentence, then add one sentence that names the evidence or relationship that makes it valid.
Deepening case 14: Pretty serious
Case. The matter is quite serious.
Analysis. The degree sense can occur with a non-visual adjective. Notice that the answer depends on the word being modified, the difference between appearance and degree, the difference between degree and manner, and the level of formality; changing a decorative detail would not be enough to change the reasoning.
Challenge. Use formal alternative. State the conclusion in one precise sentence, then add one sentence that names the evidence or relationship that makes it valid.
Deepening case 15: Not just people
Case. A scene, tune, pattern or solution may be called pretty.
Analysis. The adjective has broad pleasing-quality uses. Notice that the answer depends on the word being modified, the difference between appearance and degree, the difference between degree and manner, and the level of formality; changing a decorative detail would not be enough to change the reasoning.
Challenge. Choose a precise noun. State the conclusion in one precise sentence, then add one sentence that names the evidence or relationship that makes it valid.
Deepening case 16: Technical writing
Case. A scientific result is pretty close.
Analysis. The phrase is understandable but imprecise and informal. Notice that the answer depends on the word being modified, the difference between appearance and degree, the difference between degree and manner, and the level of formality; changing a decorative detail would not be enough to change the reasoning.
Challenge. Replace with a measured difference. State the conclusion in one precise sentence, then add one sentence that names the evidence or relationship that makes it valid.
Deepening case 17: Dialogue
Case. A character says it was pretty scary.
Analysis. The degree word helps voice and tone. Notice that the answer depends on the word being modified, the difference between appearance and degree, the difference between degree and manner, and the level of formality; changing a decorative detail would not be enough to change the reasoning.
Challenge. Preserve register intentionally. State the conclusion in one precise sentence, then add one sentence that names the evidence or relationship that makes it valid.
Deepening case 18: Narration
Case. A formal report says pretty successful.
Analysis. The register may weaken authority. Notice that the answer depends on the word being modified, the difference between appearance and degree, the difference between degree and manner, and the level of formality; changing a decorative detail would not be enough to change the reasoning.
Challenge. Use reasonably successful with criteria. State the conclusion in one precise sentence, then add one sentence that names the evidence or relationship that makes it valid.
Deepening case 19: Minimal pair
Case. The pretty display was arranged prettily.
Analysis. The forms have adjective and manner jobs. Notice that the answer depends on the word being modified, the difference between appearance and degree, the difference between degree and manner, and the level of formality; changing a decorative detail would not be enough to change the reasoning.
Challenge. Underline both targets. State the conclusion in one precise sentence, then add one sentence that names the evidence or relationship that makes it valid.
Deepening case 20: Degree versus manner
Case. She worked pretty carefully and wrote prettily.
Analysis. Pretty strengthens carefully; prettily describes the writing style. Notice that the answer depends on the word being modified, the difference between appearance and degree, the difference between degree and manner, and the level of formality; changing a decorative detail would not be enough to change the reasoning.
Challenge. Paraphrase both. State the conclusion in one precise sentence, then add one sentence that names the evidence or relationship that makes it valid.
Finish the lab with a blank-page recall. Write the rule, its conditions, one confirming example, one near-miss and one independent check from memory. Compare that page with the article only after finishing. If the rule is correct but the condition is missing, the learning is not yet safe: an overgeneralised rule can produce confident errors. If the condition is correct but no example can be generated, practise construction rather than rereading.
Common misconceptions and targeted repairs
Misconception 1: Every adverb ends in -ly
What the learner may think. Pretty difficult must be prettily difficult.
Why it fails. Pretty has an established degree-adverb use. The error feels efficient because it removes a decision, but it also removes the evidence boundary that makes the answer valid.
Targeted repair. Test fairly. Use this short test immediately: Does manner make sense before difficult?
Misconception 2: Prettily means fairly
What the learner may think. Prettily hard means fairly hard.
Why it fails. Prettily expresses attractive manner, not degree. The error feels efficient because it removes a decision, but it also removes the evidence boundary that makes the answer valid.
Targeted repair. Use pretty, fairly or quite for degree. Use this short test immediately: What is being modified?
Misconception 3: Pretty only describes people
What the learner may think. Pretty cannot modify a garden, pattern or sound.
Why it fails. The adjective applies to many pleasing things. The error feels efficient because it removes a decision, but it also removes the evidence boundary that makes the answer valid.
Targeted repair. Name the noun precisely. Use this short test immediately: Could attractive fit?
Misconception 4: Pretty means very
What the learner may think. Pretty difficult always means extremely difficult.
Why it fails. The degree is usually fairly or quite and depends on context. The error feels efficient because it removes a decision, but it also removes the evidence boundary that makes the answer valid.
Targeted repair. Calibrate the scale. Use this short test immediately: Would very overstate it?
Misconception 5: Position determines class
What the learner may think. Any word after a verb must be an adverb.
Why it fails. Linking verbs take adjective complements. The error feels efficient because it removes a decision, but it also removes the evidence boundary that makes the answer valid.
Targeted repair. Test looked or seemed. Use this short test immediately: Does it describe the subject?
Misconception 6: Both forms are equally formal
What the learner may think. Pretty accurate suits every report.
Why it fails. The degree use can sound conversational. The error feels efficient because it removes a decision, but it also removes the evidence boundary that makes the answer valid.
Targeted repair. Choose fairly, quite or a measured statement. Use this short test immediately: What register is required?
Graded independent practice
Attempt each item without looking ahead. Write one line that identifies the controlling evidence before writing the final answer. Items 1–3 check recognition, 4–7 require explanation, and the later items change the surface form so that memory alone is insufficient.
Practice 1: Adjective
Question. Choose: a pretty/prettily picture.
Explained answer. pretty.
Why this answer earns trust. The word modifies picture. Transfer variation: Rewrite with attractive.
Practice 2: Manner
Question. Choose: arranged pretty/prettily.
Explained answer. prettily.
Why this answer earns trust. The word describes how the arrangement was made. Transfer variation: Add a design detail.
Practice 3: Degree
Question. What does pretty mean in pretty difficult?
Explained answer. Fairly or quite.
Why this answer earns trust. It modifies degree. Transfer variation: Edit formally.
Practice 4: Linking verb
Question. Choose: the room looked pretty/prettily.
Explained answer. pretty.
Why this answer earns trust. Looked links room to a quality. Transfer variation: Contrast decorated prettily.
Practice 5: Adverb target
Question. Identify the target in pretty quickly.
Explained answer. Quickly.
Why this answer earns trust. Pretty changes the degree of the adverb. Transfer variation: Replace with fairly.
Practice 6: Strength
Question. Does pretty accurate mean exact?
Explained answer. No.
Why this answer earns trust. It suggests reasonable accuracy, not perfection. Transfer variation: Compare with the actual value.
Practice 7: Register
Question. Improve “The data were pretty close” in a report.
Explained answer. State the numerical difference or write fairly close with a criterion.
Why this answer earns trust. Formal precision is stronger. Transfer variation: Give the measurement.
Practice 8: Two forms
Question. Complete: The ___ cards were displayed ___.
Explained answer. pretty; prettily.
Why this answer earns trust. Adjective first, manner adverb second. Transfer variation: Label each job.
Practice 9: Meaning
Question. Can a solution be pretty?
Explained answer. Yes, informally it can mean elegant or pleasing, but explain why.
Why this answer earns trust. The adjective is not limited to appearance. Transfer variation: Name the efficient structure.
Practice 10: Routine
Question. State the choice routine.
Explained answer. Find target, label job, paraphrase, calibrate degree, check register and reread.
Why this answer earns trust. This prevents suffix guessing. Transfer variation: Apply to pretty/prettily decorated.
Delayed transfer: prove that the learning lasts
Transfer test 1: Job sort
Sort twenty examples into adjective, degree adverb and manner adverb. Do this after a delay, without rereading the worked examples. The purpose is to test retrieval and decision-making, not immediate imitation.
Success criterion. Every choice names its target and paraphrase. If the criterion is not met, return to the smallest missing decision rather than repeating the entire chapter.
Transfer test 2: Register ladder
Rewrite conversational pretty-degree sentences for formal reports. Do this after a delay, without rereading the worked examples. The purpose is to test retrieval and decision-making, not immediate imitation.
Success criterion. Meaning stays stable while precision improves. If the criterion is not met, return to the smallest missing decision rather than repeating the entire chapter.
Transfer test 3: Delayed edit
After two days, edit a description and an evidence paragraph. Do this after a delay, without rereading the worked examples. The purpose is to test retrieval and decision-making, not immediate imitation.
Success criterion. Appearance, manner and degree remain distinct. If the criterion is not met, return to the smallest missing decision rather than repeating the entire chapter.
Examination control
1. Read the job before the story. Underline the command and the noun it governs. “Explain the change,” “state the word,” “find the fraction” and “identify the evidence” are different jobs even when the surrounding context is similar.
2. Separate given information from remembered information. Use only the facts supplied for the current task plus secure subject knowledge. Do not let a previous question, a familiar worksheet or an expected pattern silently become new evidence.
3. Write enough working to expose the decision. A marker or teacher should be able to see the relationship that justifies the answer. Extra sentences are not automatically stronger; the strongest working is concise, relevant and checkable.
4. Reserve a different-route check. For language, read the sentence for meaning and grammar. For mathematics, estimate or reverse the operation. For science, check the claim against the stated observation and a conservation or fair-test principle.
5. Stop when the requested job is complete. Unrequested speculation can contradict a correct answer. Add detail only when it explains the mechanism or satisfies another explicit part of the question.
Under time pressure, use a compact four-part margin routine: trigger → evidence → operation → check. Trigger names the feature that activates the method. Evidence identifies the exact words, values or observations allowed. Operation performs the language, mathematical or scientific step. Check asks whether the final statement answers the requested job, preserves units or referents, and avoids a stronger claim than the evidence supports.
A compact error log
After practice, do not record only “careless mistake.” Name the broken decision. Useful labels include trigger missed, evidence imported, relationship reversed, referent lost, unit dropped, operation correct but job wrong, and check repeated the same route. Add one prevention cue beside the label. A short accurate log is more useful than a long emotional account because it tells the learner what to do on the next item.
Review the log after two days and again after a week. Reattempt only one or two representative items first. If the method transfers, move to a mixed set. If it fails, repair the exact link between trigger and operation. This spacing matters because a solution can feel obvious while it is still visible and disappear when the page is closed.
Notes for parents and tutors
Ask “What exact word does it modify?” before discussing the ending.
Use a three-way card: attractive, fairly, in an attractive manner.
Do not accept vague praise alone; ask for the visible, structural or measured evidence.
The adult’s most useful question is not “Why were you careless?” but “Which decision did the evidence require?” Ask the learner to point to the controlling word, value, relationship or observation. If the learner can explain that link, reduce support. If the learner cannot, model one example and then change the surface details for the next attempt.
Frequently asked questions
Can pretty be an adverb?
Yes. In common use it can mean fairly or quite, as in pretty difficult.
What does prettily mean?
It means in an attractive, graceful or pleasing manner.
Why is “look pretty” correct?
Look is a linking verb there, so pretty describes the subject.
Is pretty difficult very difficult?
Not necessarily; it usually means fairly or quite difficult.
Should I use pretty in formal writing?
The adjective is ordinary, but the degree-adverb use may be better replaced by fairly, quite or a measured statement.
What is the fastest check?
Replace pretty with attractive or fairly, and prettily with in an attractive manner.
Next routes
Return to the complete volume directory to locate the series, use the original PSLE Learning Guide for the foundation route, and continue through PSLE English for verified subject guidance. The next useful task is a mixed set in which this idea is sometimes relevant and sometimes irrelevant; that is the point at which a learner must choose, not merely copy.