got very rich

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "got very rich" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has acquired a significant amount of wealth, often suddenly or unexpectedly. Example: "After launching his successful tech startup, he got very rich in just a few years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

All got very rich.

The New Yorker

They got very rich very fast.

The New Yorker

And some have got very rich.

The Guardian

Some people in Hamas have got very rich.

The Guardian

More significant than Bain's brand of "creative destruction" was how Romney himself got very rich.

The New York Times

And she doesn't mind that, in his ascent, he got very rich.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Fewer people are getting very rich.

The Economist

And they hope to get very rich in the process.

The New York Times - Magazine

In the good times, the financiers get very rich.

The Economist

Some people are getting very rich in Iraq.

The New York Times

Getting very rich is always fascinating, but getting very rich while proclaiming that you're breaking the rules about how to run a business is even more so.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "got very rich" with details about how the wealth was acquired for greater clarity and impact. Instead of simply stating "he got very rich", specify "He got very rich investing in tech startups".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "got very rich" can sound informal. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "became wealthy" or "accumulated significant wealth" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got very rich" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a state of becoming wealthy. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is commonly used to describe the attainment of significant financial prosperity. Examples show it describing individuals and groups who've accumulated substantial wealth.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "got very rich" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a significant increase in wealth. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media, to highlight the attainment of substantial financial prosperity. While it can sometimes be perceived as informal in certain professional settings, alternatives such as "became wealthy" can be used to maintain a more formal tone. The phrase’s communicative purpose is to inform or emphasize someone's financial success, as illustrated by numerous examples from reputable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became wealthy

A more formal and general way of saying someone achieved wealth.

struck it rich

Implies a sudden and often unexpected acquisition of wealth.

made a fortune

Suggests earning a substantial amount of money through effort.

amassed wealth

Indicates a gradual accumulation of riches over time.

became affluent

Describes becoming comfortably wealthy, not necessarily extremely rich.

acquired riches

A more literary way of saying someone obtained wealth.

prospered greatly

Focuses on overall success and thriving, which includes financial gain.

flourished financially

Highlights financial success as a form of thriving and growth.

built an empire

Suggests creating a vast and powerful business that generates wealth.

hit the jackpot

Emphasizes a lucky or chance event leading to sudden wealth.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "got very rich" for a formal context?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "became wealthy", "accumulated significant wealth", or "attained financial success" to maintain a professional tone.

What does it mean when someone "got very rich"?

When someone "got very rich", it means they experienced a significant increase in their wealth, often to a substantial degree. It suggests a transformation in their financial status and implies they now possess considerable assets and resources.

Is it correct to say "gotten very rich" instead of "got very rich"?

Both "got very rich" and "gotten very rich" are grammatically acceptable. "Gotten" is more common in American English, while "got" is frequently used in British English. The choice depends on the regional dialect you prefer.

Which phrase is more suitable, "got rich" or "got very rich"?

"Got rich" is a general term for becoming wealthy, while "got very rich" implies a substantial and often noticeable increase in wealth. Use "got very rich" to emphasize the magnitude of the financial gain.