I don't see why s/he should.
***** NOT A TEACHER *****
1. I assume that your comment is not rhetorical; so, I am delighted to answer.
2. We students of English come to
usingenglish.com in order to learn current English. You teachers do a fantastic job in teaching us day in and day out.
3. I have been a member for almost 3 years. I know better than to gainsay a teacher. This post is not meant to contradict you. Since we non-teachers are currently allowed to state our views in the "Ask a Teacher" forum, I should, however, like to explain why some super strict teachers (if there are any left) might call for "very much."
4. IF (repeat: IF) I understand the most esteemed Mr. Swan (not to mention the fantastic Professor Dr. Curme!!!), here is the reasoning:
a. I think (repeat: think) that "motivated" is a verb form.
b. Technically, "motivated" is not an adjective.
c. Therefore, "very" cannot modify "motivated."
d. If one wishes to use "very," one must follow it with either "much" or "greatly." In that case, "very" modifies "much."
5. Thus, perhaps (perhaps!) we have these options:
I am
real motivated to learn grammar. = "bad" English.
I am
really motivated to learn grammar. = good, modern English. ("really" probably means "very" in that sentence, not "in reality.")
I am
very motivated to learn grammar. = good, modern English.
I am
very much motivated to learn grammar. = the kind of English that warms the cockles of the heart of the few people who still say "It is
I" instead of the "awful" (only my opinion!) "It is me."
6. The cockles of my heart were warmed (actually burned up) when I read this sentence in my local newspaper. It was written by a foreign diplomat, who I assume had learned "perfect" English:
"I am very much confused by ...."
7.
Of course, we students should accept the answers of teachers -- not the "answers" of non-teachers such as I. (I do not
agree that I need say "as I
am.") Thank you for letting me respond.
Respectfully yours,
James
Michael Swan,
Practical English Usage (1995), entries 153.4 and 405.4. (It goes without saying that the master (aka George Oliver Curme) discusses this on page 150 in Volume II of his masterpiece.)