it is very human

USAGE SUMMARY

'It is very human' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to something that is a normal reaction or behavior that typical humans would do. For example, "He was overwhelmed with guilt when he lost the game, but it is very human to feel that way in such a situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Dr. Lieberman said that it is far preferable to tell people in person, as "it is very human, very real and you have to deal with your feelings".

The New York Times

It is very human.

The New Yorker

It is very human, astonishing, superb; and what is more important, sublime.

The Guardian - Books

It is very human, this frustration, this anger and this inability to fit.

The Guardian - Books

It is very human, all this, but in the end, it all will serve to purify the church — the whole church, not just the Vatican".

The New York Times

"It is very human to be constantly searching for new stories, and now that the traditional outlets of those stories are shutting down, people are finding their drama in these unfolding events".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Even though this is all set up by technology, it's very human at its core.

TechCrunch

It's very human.

The New York Times

It was very human of him.

Britannica

"I think it's very human".

The Guardian - Arts

"It's very human work – it's imperfect.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is very human" to normalize actions or feelings, fostering empathy and understanding in your writing. For example, instead of criticizing someone's mistake, frame it as "it is very human to make errors under pressure".

Common error

Avoid using "it is very human" as a blanket justification for harmful behavior. Ensure that its use is appropriate and doesn't minimize the consequences of negative actions. For instance, while feeling anger is human, violence is not justifiable with this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is very human" functions as an attributive expression, used to characterize something as typical of or related to human nature. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically sound and usable phrase. This is exemplified in the search results, where it's used to describe actions, emotions, or qualities common to humanity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is very human" serves as a common expression used to emphasize typical human qualities, behaviors, or experiences. As Ludwig AI notes, the phrase is grammatically sound and is employed to normalize or contextualize these attributes. Its usage leans towards neutral, often appearing in News & Media. While "it is very human" is appropriate, it is important to avoid overusing it as a justification for harmful behavior. Alternative phrases, such as "it's inherently human" or "that's only human", can provide nuanced alternatives. The phrase is valuable for its ability to foster empathy and understanding by framing actions and emotions as a natural part of the human condition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's inherently human

Emphasizes the intrinsic human nature of something.

it's simply human nature

Focuses on the natural, instinctual aspect of human behavior.

it's characteristically human

Highlights the typical or distinctive traits of humans.

it's understandably human

Suggests that the behavior is easily forgiven or comprehended due to human fallibility.

it's part of being human

Positions the behavior as an unavoidable aspect of the human condition.

that's only human

A more concise expression indicating a common human failing or trait.

it's a common human experience

Highlights the universality of the feeling or situation.

it's a typical human reaction

Emphasizes the predictability of the human response.

it's human to err

A well-known idiom acknowledging the human capacity for mistakes.

it reflects our humanity

Highlights the connection to the broader concept of human existence and qualities.

FAQs

How can I use "it is very human" in a sentence?

You can use "it is very human" to describe a common behavior or feeling. For example, "Feeling nervous before a big presentation, it is very human, even for experienced speakers."

What is a good alternative to "it is very human"?

Alternatives include "it's inherently human", "it's simply human nature", or "that's only human", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While grammatically correct, "it is very human" might sound somewhat informal for academic or highly professional contexts. Consider using more sophisticated vocabulary to express the same idea.

Can "it is very human" be used to excuse bad behavior?

While the phrase acknowledges common human failings, it should not be used to excuse or condone harmful actions. It's important to consider the context and consequences of the behavior being described.