a very high

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very high" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is significantly elevated in degree, quantity, or quality. Example: "The project received a very high score from the judges, indicating its exceptional quality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A very high fever".

The New York Times

A very high price.

The Washington Post

Markus had a very high security clearance.

The New Yorker

(Mäntyranta had a very high hematocrit).

The New Yorker

"This is a very high bar.

The New York Times

That is a very high card.

Independent

But at a very high price.

The Economist

That's a very high probability".

The Guardian

MEG has a very high temporal resolution.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We have paid a very high price.

The Guardian

"They had a very high default rate".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a very high" to describe numerical data, provide context for comparison. For example, instead of just saying "a very high score", specify what the maximum possible score is or the average score for similar instances.

Common error

Avoid using "a very high" as a generic intensifier without specific meaning. Replace it with more descriptive adjectives or quantify the high level with precise data to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very high" functions primarily as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase, enhancing the meaning of a noun by indicating a significant degree or level. It serves to emphasize the extent to which something possesses a particular quality. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

35%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a very high" is a commonly used adjective phrase that indicates a significant degree or level of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. While versatile, more precise language is sometimes preferred in formal settings. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Academic sources, serving to emphasize magnitude and draw attention to prominence. Consider replacing it with alternatives like "an extremely high" or quantifying with precise data for greater clarity. Avoiding overuse as a generic filler will enhance the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an extremely high

Emphasizes a greater degree compared to "a very high".

a considerably high

Indicates a notable or significant level, subtly differing from "a very high".

an exceptionally high

Highlights rarity or distinctiveness of the high level compared to "a very high".

a remarkably high

Draws attention to the unexpected or surprising nature of the level compared to "a very high".

a notably high

Focuses on the fact that the level is worth paying attention to, differing slightly from "a very high".

a particularly high

Indicates a specific instance where the level is high, subtly differing from a general high level.

a substantially high

Focuses on the significant amount, deviating slightly from a general "very high".

a significantly high

Emphasizes the importance of the high level, differing from a simple description of being "a very high".

an impressively high

Highlights that the high level causes admiration or respect.

an unusually high

Suggests that the high level is not typical or common, adding a nuance absent in "a very high".

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "a very high"?

You can use alternatives like "an extremely high", "a considerably high", or "an exceptionally high" depending on the specific context and the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

How can I make my use of "a very high" more specific?

Instead of saying "a very high price", try quantifying the price with a specific number or comparing it to a benchmark. For example, "a price 20% higher than the market average" or "a price exceeding $1 million" are more informative.

Is it redundant to use "a very high" with adjectives that already imply high intensity?

Using "a very high" with adjectives that already mean high intensity, such as "extreme" or "ultimate", can be redundant. It's often better to use just the stronger adjective on its own or to rephrase the sentence for clarity.

When is it appropriate to use "a very high" in formal writing?

While "a very high" is generally acceptable, formal writing often benefits from more precise and descriptive language. Consider replacing it with quantifiable data or more nuanced adjectives to convey the intended meaning with greater accuracy.