have done very

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have done very" is not correct as it stands and lacks clarity in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to emphasize the extent of an action, but it typically requires additional context or completion to make sense. Example: "I have done very well in my exams this semester."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I have done very little.

The Guardian

They have done very much.

The Guardian

These students have done very little reading.

The New York Times

"My students have done very little reading.

The New York Times - Books

We have done very little revision.

The Guardian - Opinion

Those players have done very little since.

The Guardian - Sport

The wealthy have done very well.

The New Yorker

Some bizarre-sounding aid groups have done very well.

The New York Times

Because your films have done very well at Cannes.

The New York Times

Sophisticated savers have done very well out of it.

Independent

"Swansea have done very well getting to the Premier League.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "have done very", always ensure it's followed by an adjective or adverb to clarify the degree or manner of completion. For example, "They have done very well" or "We have done very little".

Common error

Avoid using "have done very" without specifying how the action was performed or to what extent it was completed. This can lead to ambiguity and weaken the impact of your statement. Always clarify with additional words like 'well', 'little', 'much', etc.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have done very" functions as part of a verb phrase. It indicates an action that has been performed to a certain degree. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase requires additional context to be grammatically complete and meaningful.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have done very" is frequently used but, according to Ludwig AI, grammatically "incorrect" as it stands, as it necessitates completion with an adjective or adverb to fully convey its intended meaning. It serves to express the degree to which an action has been performed, with its register being generally neutral. The most common sources are from the News & Media category. To ensure clarity and correctness, always follow "have done very" with words like "well", "little", or "much". Consider using alternatives like "have performed exceptionally" or "have achieved a great deal" for a more formal tone or when greater emphasis is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have performed exceptionally

This alternative emphasizes the quality of the performance, suggesting a high level of skill and success.

have achieved a great deal

This phrase focuses on the quantity of accomplishments, highlighting significant progress or results.

have accomplished much

Similar to "have achieved a great deal", but with a slightly more formal tone.

have excelled significantly

This option underscores a marked improvement or superior performance in a particular area.

have made considerable progress

This highlights advancement towards a goal, implying a notable degree of forward movement.

have succeeded greatly

Focuses on the successful outcome of an endeavor, emphasizing the magnitude of the success.

have carried out thoroughly

This suggests a comprehensive and meticulous execution of a task or project.

have completed extensively

Highlights the comprehensive nature of the completion, suggesting a large amount of work was finished.

have acted remarkably

Focuses on the impressive manner in which an action was performed.

have operated effectively

This alternative highlights the efficiency and success of an operation or process.

FAQs

How can I use "have done very" correctly in a sentence?

To use "have done very" correctly, ensure you complete the phrase with an adjective or adverb to specify the manner or extent of the action. For example, "They "have done very well"" or "We "have done very little"".

What's a more formal way to say "have done very"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "have performed exceptionally" or "have achieved a great deal", depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to add a word after "have done very"?

Yes, it is generally necessary to add a word after "have done very" to provide clarity and grammatical correctness. Without it, the phrase is incomplete and lacks specific meaning. Consider alternatives like "have done well" or "have done poorly".

What are common mistakes to avoid when using "have done very"?

A common mistake is using "have done very" without specifying the manner or extent of the action. This can make your sentence unclear. Always complete the phrase with words like "well", "little", or "much" to provide the necessary context.