a very fearsome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very fearsome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that is extremely intimidating or frightening. Example: "The dragon was a very fearsome creature, instilling terror in all who dared to approach its lair."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

To call his photographs a bit tame is like saying a hamster is not a very fearsome animal.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Describing Ms. Slade, 55, as a "very fearsome leader" who intimidated underlings, Julian Ramirez, an assistant Harris County district attorney, said the evidence would show "Priscilla Slade had her own set of rules — if she wanted it, Priscilla Slade was going to buy it".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Although the numbers appear very fearsome, we have some leeway".

The New York Times

(FG1F4) … coping with that whole process of losing more, losing more capacities, and so on, when their environment is so confounding for them…and (husband) at one point, thought the electronic hoist, in the room, was something that was very fearsome.

BMC Palliative Care

At a time of domestic uncertainty, running down the foreign opposition is popular.America is certainly losing clout in relative terms, but it will remain the world's most fearsome military power for a very long time.

The Economist

Murray was playing a very intelligent game, targeting Nadal's backhand and not letting him take control on his fearsome forehand, and he had another opening in the fourth game of the second set.

Independent

This is still one fearsome company–a brand bully much like an Anheuser-Busch or, in a very different field, a Microsoft.

Forbes

Spalding's turns out a very dark, undeniably oily, rough-looking yeast doughnut that qualifies for the hall of fame, as well as a fearsome-looking yeast ball, dense and knotted, with pastry cream erupting out the top.

The New York Times - Travel

At the top of their game, Chelsea's attack is the most fearsome Arsenal Nicklas Bendtner central, Andrey Arshavin on the left and Samir Nasri on the right – technically that's a very good front three, with excellent mobility.

The Guardian - Sport

I read and reread the stories of his bouts with fearsome adversaries -- Liston, Foreman, Frazier, Norton, Shavers -- a murderers' row of heavyweights, each of whom could have reigned as champion for a very long time in less formidable times.

Huffington Post

"My mother was such a strong figure, and she was very education-oriented, a little fearsome about it," Dr. Vargus said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a subject as "a very fearsome", follow it with specific details or examples that illustrate the source of the fear. This provides context and makes the description more impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "very" as a crutch to intensify adjectives. While "very fearsome" is grammatically correct, consider using a stronger, more specific adjective like "terrifying", "daunting", or "intimidating" to enhance your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very fearsome" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe it as intensely frightening or intimidating. It amplifies the inherent qualities of the noun, suggesting a strong sense of dread. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a very fearsome" is a grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe something that inspires significant fear or intimidation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical validity. While considered rare in frequency, it appears mostly in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, consider providing specific examples to illustrate the source of the fear and avoid overusing "very" when a stronger adjective might be more effective. Remember to explore related alternatives like "a truly fearsome" or "an exceptionally fearsome" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a truly fearsome

Emphasizes the genuine nature of the fear induced, rather than just the degree.

an exceptionally fearsome

Highlights the unusual extent of the fearfulness.

an incredibly fearsome

Focuses on the believability of the fearfulness.

an extremely fearsome

Stresses a high level of fearfulness, similar to "very".

a remarkably fearsome

Highlights the noteworthy or surprising aspect of the fearfulness.

a considerably fearsome

Indicates a noticeable degree of fearfulness.

a frighteningly fearsome

Intensifies the fearsome quality by adding 'frighteningly'.

an alarmingly fearsome

Implies a sense of alert due to the fearfulness.

a dauntingly fearsome

Suggests the fearsomeness causes hesitation or discouragement.

a terrifyingly fearsome

Emphasizes the terror induced by the subject.

FAQs

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

You can use "a very fearsome" to describe something that inspires great fear or intimidation. For example, "The dragon was "a very fearsome" creature, instilling terror in all who dared to approach its lair."

What are some alternatives to "a very fearsome"?

Alternatives include "a truly fearsome", "an exceptionally fearsome", or "an incredibly fearsome", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "a very fearsome"?

While "fearsome" already implies a high degree of fear, using "very" can add emphasis. However, consider whether a stronger adjective might be more effective, such as "terrifying" or "intimidating".

In what contexts is "a very fearsome" most appropriate?

"A very fearsome" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's most effective when describing something that genuinely inspires a strong sense of fear or awe. Ludwig can provide examples.