Very dear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Very dear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express affection or endearment towards someone, often in a personal or emotional context. Example: "My very dear friend, I hope you are doing well and finding joy in your life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was very dear.

The New York Times

It's very dear to me.

The New York Times

DOPPELT--Stanley.Our very dear friend.

The New York Times

That cost me very dear.

The Guardian - Sport

He's very dear to me.

The Guardian - Music

Carole was a very dear friend.

The New York Times

Numbers are clearly very dear to Morey.

The New York Times - Sports

He was a very dear friend.

The Guardian

The characters are very dear and complex.

The New York Times

You know, from a very dear friend.

The Guardian - Books

It was very dear to his heart".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when using "very dear", as it can convey a sentimental or emotional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "very dear" in formal or business writing where a more neutral or professional tone is required. Opt for phrases like "highly valued" or "extremely important" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very dear" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, expressing a high degree of affection, importance, or value. It is often used to describe relationships or cherished possessions, indicating that something or someone is held in high regard.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Very dear" is an adjective phrase used to express strong affection, importance, or value. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's best suited for contexts where expressing sentiment is appropriate, avoiding overuse in strictly formal or business settings. Alternatives like "deeply cherished" or "highly valued" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. This guide provides insights into its usage, related phrases, and common errors to avoid, helping you use "very dear" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incredibly precious

Highlights the rarity and irreplaceability of something or someone.

close to one's heart

Indicates a strong emotional connection and personal significance.

deeply cherished

Emphasizes the emotional value and the act of treasuring something or someone.

exceptionally treasured

Emphasizes the special care and attention given to something or someone.

utterly beloved

Stresses the deep affection and love felt for something or someone.

especially meaningful

Focuses on the deep personal relevance and emotional weight.

highly valued

Focuses on the worth and importance attributed to something or someone.

held in high regard

Indicates great respect and admiration for someone or something.

particularly significant

Highlights the noteworthiness and importance of something.

extremely important

Focuses on the significance and crucial nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "very dear" in a sentence?

You can use "very dear" to describe someone you care about, as in "He was a "very dear friend"". It can also describe something precious or important to you, as in "This memory is "very dear to me"".

What are some alternatives to "very dear"?

Alternatives include "deeply cherished", "highly valued", or "incredibly precious", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "very dear" in formal communication?

While grammatically correct, "very dear" is more suitable for informal or personal contexts. In formal settings, consider using phrases like "highly regarded" or "extremely valued".

What is the difference between "very dear" and "beloved"?

"Very dear" suggests a strong sense of affection or importance, while "beloved" implies a deeper, more profound love and is often used in more solemn or sentimental contexts.