a very worthy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very worthy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is deserving of respect, attention, or admiration. Example: "She is a very worthy candidate for the scholarship due to her outstanding achievements and dedication to her studies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But a very worthy performance.

The New York Times

"It's a very worthy path.

The New Yorker

It's a very worthy appeal.

Independent

It was a very worthy Gilroy indeed.

The New Yorker

"He's a very worthy champion".

The New York Times - Sports

He would be a very worthy champion".

The Guardian - Sport

A very worthy outing on a Saturday, Mr. Page.

The New York Times

She, too, would have been a very worthy opponent.

The Washington Post

Altogether, though, it was a very worthy tribute.

The Guardian - Music

"Glasgow Credit Union is also a very worthy winner.

The Guardian

A very worthy recipient in a talented selection.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a very worthy" to express strong approval or admiration. It's suitable when you want to emphasize the high degree of merit or value associated with something or someone.

Common error

Avoid using "a very worthy" in extremely casual conversations. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or pretentious in informal settings. Consider using simpler alternatives like "really good" or "great" for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very worthy" functions primarily as a pre-modifying adjective phrase. It intensifies the adjective "worthy", indicating a high degree of merit or value. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase signals that something or someone is deserving of respect or admiration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a very worthy" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase. Ludwig AI analysis shows it’s typically employed to express strong approval or admiration, highlighting that someone or something deserves respect. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral contexts, such as news reports or academic writing. Consider its formality level to prevent overuse in casual conversations, and you can successfully use alternatives like "highly commendable" or "truly valuable" to maintain variety in your writing. Top sources include The Guardian, The New York Times and BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a highly commendable

Emphasizes the deserving of praise or approval, highlighting the positive attributes to an even greater extent.

a genuinely deserving

Stresses the authenticity and truthfulness of deserving something, adding an element of sincerity.

a truly valuable

Focuses on the inherent worth and usefulness of something, shifting the emphasis from merit to practical significance.

a remarkably suitable

Highlights the appropriateness and fitness for a particular purpose or role, emphasizing compatibility.

an exceptionally admirable

Conveys a sense of awe and deep respect, elevating the level of esteem.

a notably respectable

Indicates a significant degree of honor and good standing, emphasizing societal approval.

a strikingly noble

Emphasizes the moral excellence and selflessness of something, adding a dimension of high-mindedness.

a particularly meritorious

Stresses the deserving of reward or recognition, highlighting the outstanding achievements.

an especially honorable

Focuses on the integrity and ethical conduct associated with something, adding a layer of moral uprightness.

a significantly precious

Highlights how something is extremely valuable, especially in terms of being something/someone cherished.

FAQs

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

You can use "a very worthy" to describe someone or something deserving of respect or admiration. For example, "She is "a very worthy" candidate for the award", or "This is "a very worthy" cause to support".

What are some alternatives to "a very worthy"?

Some alternatives include "highly commendable", "genuinely deserving", or "truly valuable", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "worthy" or "very worthy"?

The choice between "worthy" and "very worthy" depends on the level of emphasis you want to convey. "Worthy" is suitable when you want to express general merit, while "very worthy" amplifies the degree of worthiness, indicating stronger approval or admiration.

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

The addition of "very" intensifies the degree of worthiness. "A worthy" indicates basic suitability or merit, while "a very worthy" emphasizes a significantly higher level of deservingness.