ever so

USAGE SUMMARY

"ever so" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to emphasize the degree of something. For example: "He was ever so grateful for your help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ever so.

Independent

But ever so politely.

The Economist

Ever so slightly.

The New Yorker

Ever so slightly avuncular?

Independent

They work ever so hard.

Independent

It has been ever so.

The New York Times - Arts

It's ever so naughty.

The Guardian - Opinion

Was it ever so?

The New York Times

It's ever so predictable.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hmm? Ta ever so.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It's ever so long.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ever so" to add emphasis or a touch of quaintness to your writing. It works best when describing something that is slightly more than just 'very'.

Common error

While "ever so" can add a charming touch, avoid using it excessively in formal or professional writing. Opt for more direct alternatives like "extremely" or "very" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ever so" functions as an intensifying adverb, modifying adjectives or adverbs to denote a heightened degree of a quality. Ludwig confirms that "ever so" is correct and frequently used to emphasize something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ever so" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase to intensify adjectives and adverbs. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral and informal contexts, adding emphasis and a touch of quaintness, and should be used sparingly in formal writing. Alternatives include "very much", "extremely", or "particularly". Predominantly found in News & Media, this phrase offers a nuanced way to enhance descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very much

Alternative phrase emphasizing a considerable amount or degree.

extremely

Single word alternative indicating a very high degree.

highly

Common alternative indicating a significant degree or level.

exceedingly

A more formal synonym for 'extremely', indicating a high level.

exceptionally

Similar to 'extremely' but suggests a deviation from the norm.

intensely

Highlights the strength or force of something.

awfully

Informal term emphasizing a large quantity or degree.

terribly

Similar to 'awfully', conveying a large amount or degree, often used informally.

remarkably

Emphasizes the unusual or surprising nature of the degree.

particularly

Indicates a specific instance or case where the degree is high.

FAQs

How can I use "ever so" in a sentence?

"Ever so" is typically used as an adverb to intensify an adjective or verb. For example, "She was "ever so grateful" for the gift", or "He moved "ever so carefully" not to wake the baby".

What are some alternatives to "ever so"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "very much", "extremely", or "particularly".

Is it appropriate to use "ever so" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "ever so" leans towards informal or quaint usage. In formal writing, consider more direct and professional alternatives such as "very" or "exceedingly".

What's the difference between "ever so" and "even so"?

"Ever so" intensifies a quality or action, meaning 'very'. "Even so" introduces a contrast or concession, similar to 'despite that' or 'nevertheless'. They have distinct meanings and are not interchangeable.