he was very intense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was very intense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who exhibits strong emotions, focus, or passion in a particular situation. Example: "During the debate, he was very intense, passionately defending his viewpoints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

He was very intense.

The New York Times

"He was very intense; he controls everything in the room.

The New York Times - Magazine

"He was not a gregarious individual; he was very intense," Mr. Rosenberg said.

The New York Times

McNeillie says of Paulin, "He was very intense and a little scary.

The Guardian - Books

"He was very intense, and we would just kind of tiptoe by the study," Ms. Gindele recalled.

The New York Times

He was very intense, very smart, but in addition to being smart his mind went at 500rpm all the time.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"He's very intense.

The New York Times - Sports

He's very intense, but you can't tell".

The New York Times - Sports

"He's very intense now, almost too intense.

The New York Times - Sports

"He's very intense, isn't he?" the woman next to me said.

The New Yorker

"He's very intense and he can break you down if you're not grounded.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's dedication, use "he was very intense" to convey a sense of unwavering commitment and focus. This phrase is effective when highlighting their deep engagement in an activity or cause.

Common error

Avoid using "he was very intense" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your descriptions with synonyms like "passionate", "focused", or "driven" to maintain reader engagement and provide a more nuanced portrayal of the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was very intense" functions as a descriptive statement, characterizing an individual's behavior or demeanor. According to Ludwig, this phrase is often used in news and media to depict someone's strong emotions or focused engagement. The examples provided showcase its use in describing individuals from Steve Jobs to political figures.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he was very intense" serves as a powerful descriptor, conveying a high degree of focus, emotion, or commitment. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage is grammatically correct and commonly found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it’s important to consider the specific context and audience when choosing this phrase, and to vary your descriptions with synonyms to avoid repetition. Understanding these nuances allows for more effective and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was deeply passionate

Emphasizes the depth of feeling and emotional investment.

he was extremely focused

Highlights a strong concentration and dedication.

he exhibited great fervor

Focuses on enthusiastic and passionate expression.

he showed immense dedication

Stresses commitment and perseverance.

he displayed considerable zeal

Highlights enthusiasm and eagerness.

he was remarkably driven

Focuses on internal motivation and ambition.

he was exceptionally earnest

Emphasizes sincerity and seriousness.

he manifested strong emotion

Highlights the outward expression of powerful feelings.

he approached it with vigor

Emphasizes energy and enthusiasm in his approach.

he pursued it ardently

Highlights passionate and enthusiastic pursuit.

FAQs

How can I use "he was very intense" in a sentence?

You can use "he was very intense" to describe someone who demonstrates strong emotion or focus, such as, "During the negotiation, "he was very intense", determined to secure the best deal".

What are some alternatives to "he was very intense"?

Alternatives include "he was deeply passionate", "he was extremely focused", or "he exhibited great fervor" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "he was very intense" in formal writing?

Yes, "he was very intense" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you need to convey a strong sense of dedication or focus. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

What's the difference between "he was very intense" and "he was passionate"?

While both describe strong emotion, "he was very intense" suggests a higher degree of focus or emotional energy compared to "he was passionate". Passionate implies strong feelings, while intense suggests those feelings are focused and actively directed.