a very major

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very major" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the significance or importance of something, often in informal contexts. Example: "The project faced a very major setback that delayed our timeline significantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Winning the Whitbread was a very major thing for me.

The Guardian - Books

"The series has made a very major impression.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"It's a very major thing for us," said Mr. Nimziki.

The New York Times

"If success is achieved here that will be a very important, a very major breakthrough".

The New York Times

"This is a very major problem in trying to save energy," he said.

The New York Times

"This is a very major error of judgment," he told a Commons select committee.

The Guardian

"There is going to be dissatisfaction of a very major sort about this".

The Guardian

"This is a very major victory domestically and internationally," he said.

The New York Times

"They are not very sure of the outcome of what appears to be a very major shift in consumer behavior".

The New York Times

One reader commented: The graph misses a very major, and growing, component of the U.S. health care system.

The New York Times

In the last six years there has been a very major secular shift from which we are all suffering.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a very major" to underscore the importance of an event, decision, or issue. However, be mindful of overuse, as it can dilute the impact. Consider stronger alternatives for emphasis.

Common error

While "a very major" is acceptable, relying on it too frequently can make your writing sound repetitive. Diversify your vocabulary with synonyms like "significant", "substantial", or "critical" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very major" functions as an intensifying adjective phrase modifying a noun. It serves to emphasize the importance or significance of the noun it describes. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a valid and frequently used expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a very major" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to emphasize the significance or importance of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's generally acceptable, though being mindful of potential overuse is key. While it commonly appears in news and media contexts, more formal options like "highly significant" or "substantially important" may be preferred in academic settings. Remember to consider the context and audience to ensure the most effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a highly significant

Emphasizes the importance and impact of something. Stronger emphasis on significance.

an extremely significant

Highlights the extreme level of importance and influence.

a truly significant

Emphasizes the genuine and undeniable importance of something.

a profoundly important

Points the deep importance.

a considerably important

Similar in meaning, highlighting the substantial importance.

a substantially important

Indicates the important size or degree.

a fundamentally important

Highlights the root and basic importance of something.

a seriously important

Stresses the level of importance.

an extraordinarily important

Highlights the extraordinariness.

a remarkably important

Points the importance.

FAQs

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

You can use "a very major" to emphasize the importance of something, as in "This is "a very major breakthrough"" or "That decision had "a very major impact"".

What are some alternatives to "a very major"?

Alternatives include "highly significant", "considerably important", or "extremely significant" depending on the specific context.

Is "a very major" too informal for academic writing?

While "a very major" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives such as "highly significant" or "substantially important" might be preferable in academic contexts to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "a very major" and "a major"?

Adding "very" emphasizes the degree of importance or significance. "A major" indicates something is important, while "a very major" suggests it is considerably more so.