is very banal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is very banal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is unoriginal, dull, or lacking in freshness or excitement. Example: "The movie's plot is very banal, offering nothing new to the genre."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The melancholy we live these days is very banal; it's become a means to attract sympathy and attention, so much so that the over expression of grief has become an essential feature amongst many of those "engaged" in literature; they do not just present it, they engage in it.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was very banal".

The New York Times

"Did you always want to be a writer?" "It's very banal, but yes.

The New Yorker

"A twenty-year-old girl who makes images of herself that can be very banal.

The New Yorker

I was being very banal but they could literally feel on their own skin the water the politicians are actually talking about.

The Guardian

"There are a lot of us who feel that the last 35 years of translation has been very banal and pedestrian, and the way that one wants to address God in a liturgy should not be pedestrian," said Brenda Fairaday, a parishioner here since the 1970s and an ardent defender of the church's liturgy.

The New York Times

All this is very simple, banal even!

Stanford University

There was very little banal about Eichmann, though at his trial most expressed disappointment at his insignificance.

The Guardian - Books

"His tone seems to be very simple and ordinary, almost banal, and yet it is very hard to catch.

The New Yorker

An apparently banal idea, but one which is very widely ignored.

University of Chicago

This could be banal things, e.g. it is very important for a person to take the shoes off before entering the flat…' (R8/33) '… my caregiver should come always at the same time, be on time, should be very friendly.

BMC Geriatrics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is very banal", ensure that your writing provides specific reasons or examples to support the claim. Avoid relying solely on this phrase without further elaboration.

Common error

Avoid using "is very banal" as a lazy critique. Always provide concrete examples or explanations to illustrate why something lacks originality or is uninspired. Otherwise, the critique may seem shallow or unfounded.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is very banal" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a noun or pronoun as lacking originality or being commonplace. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness, and examples show its use in critical evaluations across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is very banal" serves to express that something lacks originality or is uninspired. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including news, media, and academic writing. While generally acceptable, more formal alternatives may be preferable in specific professional settings. When using this phrase, be sure to support your judgment with specific examples to avoid vagueness. Understanding these nuances ensures effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is boring and unoriginal

Combines lack of interest with lack of new ideas.

is extremely commonplace

Emphasizes the commonness and lack of uniqueness.

is rather run-of-the-mill

Highlights the ordinariness and lack of exceptional qualities.

is quite uninspired

Focuses on the lack of creativity or originality.

is nothing special

Indicates a lack of unique or remarkable qualities.

is utterly pedestrian

Highlights the ordinariness and lack of distinction.

lacks originality

Simply points out the absence of new ideas or creativity.

is remarkably trite

Stresses the staleness and overuse of the idea.

is decidedly unimaginative

Underscores the absence of imagination or inventiveness.

is terribly hackneyed

Focuses on the overuse and predictability of the phrase.

FAQs

How can I use "is very banal" in a sentence?

You can use "is very banal" to describe something that lacks originality or is uninspired. For example: "The plot of the movie is very banal, offering nothing new to the genre."

What are some alternatives to "is very banal"?

You can use alternatives like "is extremely commonplace", "is quite uninspired", or "is utterly pedestrian" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "is very banal" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "is very banal" may be considered somewhat informal for certain academic or professional contexts. Consider using more sophisticated vocabulary to express the same idea. Terms such as "lacks originality" or "is uninspired" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "is very banal" and "is simply banal"?

Adding "very" intensifies the degree to which something is banal. "Is simply banal" suggests a basic lack of originality, while "is very banal" emphasizes that the lack of originality is particularly noticeable.