a very strong draft

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very strong draft" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a preliminary version of a document or piece of writing that is particularly well-developed or impactful. Example: "After reviewing the feedback, I believe we have a very strong draft of the proposal ready for submission."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But the trade will be judged on the two young players and the pick, which could be in the top five next June, in a very strong draft.

The New York Times - Sports

"We've seen a lot of players come into this draft over the last little while and, combined with the senior players who had good N.C.A.A. playoffs and senior years, it makes for a very strong draft".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

They had a very strong … I hate to say first draft.

Los Angeles Times

But Mr. Zhang said that the rules in draft form were the product of a very strong consensus among government agencies and that "the technical content won't be changed".

The New York Times

Trump said in 2016 the doctor wrote a "very strong letter" saying he had the foot condition, but Trump has also said it was ultimately a high draft number that kept him from serving.

Vice

"A very strong game".

The New York Times - Sports

"This was a very strong case".

The New York Times

Nhu is a very strong personality.

The New York Times

"New York is on a very strong up.

The New Yorker

It makes a very strong case indeed".

Independent

"It was a very strong structure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a very strong draft" when you want to emphasize that an initial version of something is particularly well-developed and effective for its stage. Consider the specific context to determine if synonyms like "robust" or "compelling" might be more appropriate.

Common error

While "very" can amplify an adjective, overuse can weaken your writing. Consider if a stronger adjective might be more impactful. For example, instead of "a very strong draft", consider "a compelling draft" or "a robust draft" to add nuance and strength to your description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very strong draft" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "draft". It describes the quality and potential of an initial version of a document or plan, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples from news sources. Ludwig confirms its correctness for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a very strong draft" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a well-developed initial version of a document or plan. According to Ludwig, it's appropriate for use in written English, particularly in contexts where you want to express confidence in the quality of the initial work. While generally neutral in tone, consider the specific context and audience when choosing this phrase; more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "a robust preliminary plan". The phrase appears mostly in news and media sources and offers writers the ability to convey a positive assessment of the initial stage of development.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a solid initial version

Replaces "strong" with "solid" and "draft" with "initial version", emphasizing reliability and early stage.

a robust preliminary plan

Substitutes "strong" with "robust" and "draft" with "preliminary plan", highlighting resilience and initial planning.

a well-developed early version

Replaces "strong" with "well-developed" and "draft" with "early version", focusing on detail and stage.

a compelling first iteration

Substitutes "strong" with "compelling" and "draft" with "first iteration", indicating persuasiveness and a cyclical process.

a forceful opening proposal

Replaces "strong" with "forceful" and "draft" with "opening proposal", emphasizing impact and initiation.

a persuasive initial outline

Substitutes "strong" with "persuasive" and "draft" with "initial outline", focusing on convincing quality and structure.

an impressive preliminary sketch

Replaces "strong" with "impressive" and "draft" with "preliminary sketch", highlighting admiration and a rough design.

a potent first attempt

Substitutes "strong" with "potent" and "draft" with "first attempt", emphasizing effectiveness and a starting effort.

a convincing early blueprint

Replaces "strong" with "convincing" and "draft" with "early blueprint", focusing on believability and a foundational design.

a promising initial layout

Substitutes "strong" with "promising" and "draft" with "initial layout", indicating potential and arrangement.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a very strong draft"?

The phrase "a very strong draft" is suitable when describing an initial version of a document or plan that demonstrates considerable quality, completeness, and potential impact. It suggests that the draft is well-developed for its stage and likely to lead to a successful final product.

What are some alternatives to using "a very strong draft"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a solid initial version", "a robust preliminary plan", or "a compelling first iteration".

Is there a difference between "a strong draft" and "a very strong draft"?

Yes, adding "very" intensifies the strength of the draft. While "a strong draft" implies a solid and well-made initial version, "a very strong draft" emphasizes that it is exceptionally well-developed and promising.

Can "a very strong draft" be used in formal and informal contexts?

While grammatically correct, "a very strong draft" might sound slightly informal for certain professional settings. Consider more sophisticated alternatives like "a robust preliminary plan" or "a well-developed early version" in very formal contexts.