by how very

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by how very" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the extent or degree of something, often expressing surprise or admiration. Example: "I was amazed by how very quickly she completed the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Adeline Vaughan Williams (the composer's first wife) was struck by how "very sedate" Dorking in Surrey was.

Independent

Indeed, when Diane Blair first met her, she was struck by how very mainstream Hillary Rodham was.

The New Yorker

Still, I was amused even then by how very Sebaldian he sounded, encouraged thus by a glitter in his eyes, and by a slightly sardonic fatigue in his voice.

The New Yorker

Kynaston, who is also struck by how very quickly she grasps things, remembers that the only time he ever saw Uglow discomposed was the time he "brought into Chatto a copy of her Gaskell biography to have her sign it.

The Guardian - Books

But now I was actually here, checked into my cosy room in the El Khan hotel, where the manager had welcomed us into the elegant courtyard like old friends and handed us champagne flutes filled with almond milk, I was already struck by how very different the reality of Libya is to the perception.

The Guardian - Travel

I was struck by how very diverse people came together at the theatre: young and old, Palestinians from the camp and beyond, international visitors, and even Israeli artists were all in the audience for the production of Suicide Note from Palestine.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

He stayed only briefly in the city, praising the sex industry by writing "how very different from the prudish and hypocritical manner in which we so disgracefully mismanage these things in England".

Wikipedia

Let pride be taught by this rebuke, How very mean a thing's a duke; From all his ill-got honours flung, Turn'd to that dirt from whence he sprung.

The Guardian - Books

Dear Little Heart, Let me begin by telling you how very sorry I am that you have had to suffer so much emotional pain.

Huffington Post

One criticism, void of the subject matter, pointed out by viewers has been how very, very similar the sketch is to one aired on comedy show This Hour Has 22 Minutes earlier this year.

Independent

Sitting on the old plastic chairs under the tree at the back of her house, he had often talked to her and her father, Ephraim, about how the NUM shop stewards were taken out of the mine and given pay rises, cars and mobile phones by the company, and how very soon they stopped speaking up for the people who had elected them.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates what you are emphasizing. The phrase is most effective when the degree or extent being described is somewhat unexpected or noteworthy.

Common error

Avoid using "by how very" in overly casual or informal settings, as it can sound stilted or pretentious. Opt for simpler phrasing like "how very" or "how extremely" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by how very" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces an adverbial clause, modifying a verb or adjective. It emphasizes the degree or extent of a particular quality or characteristic. As demonstrated in the examples provided by Ludwig, the phrase introduces a surprising element.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Books

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by how very" is a prepositional phrase used to emphasize the degree or extent of a quality, often conveying surprise or admiration. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, primarily within news and media, travel writing, and books. While grammatically sound, it's more suitable for neutral to formal contexts. Remember to use it sparingly in informal settings to avoid sounding stilted. Consider alternatives like "how incredibly" or "to what extent" for varying your writing style. The phrase helps to highlight specific aspects of a situation, making your observations more impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how incredibly

Substitutes "very" with "incredibly" to amplify the degree.

how remarkably

Replaces "very" with "remarkably" to highlight the exceptional nature.

how extraordinarily

Substitutes "very" with "extraordinarily" to amplify the degree.

how surprisingly

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of the degree.

how astonishingly

Substitutes "very" with "astonishingly" to amplify the surprise.

to what extent

Replaces "how very" with a more formal inquiry about the degree of something.

just how

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of something. Can be used to express surprise.

the degree to which

A more formal and analytical way of expressing the extent of something.

to what level

Replaces "how very" with an inquiry about a level of something.

the measure of

A more formal way of indicating degree.

FAQs

How can I use "by how very" in a sentence?

You can use "by how very" to emphasize the degree or extent of a quality. For example, "I was struck "by how very different" the reality was from my expectations".

What phrases are similar to "by how very"?

Similar phrases include "to what extent", "how incredibly", or "how remarkably". These alternatives can help you vary your writing while maintaining a similar emphasis.

Is "by how very" formal or informal?

"By how very" leans towards the formal side. In casual conversation, simpler phrases like "how very" or "so very" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "how very" and "by how very"?

While both phrases emphasize a quality, "by how very" often introduces an observation or realization. It's used when something strikes you in a particular way, emphasizing the degree of that observation. "How very" is a more direct statement of intensity.