it is very offensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is very offensive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is highly disrespectful or hurtful in a particular context. Example: "The comments made during the meeting were inappropriate, and I must say, it is very offensive to many of us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"It is very offensive culturally; it's the same as killing, even in our law".

The New York Times

"It is very offensive to agnostics, atheists and those who believe in separation of church and state to be subjected to this by their government".

The New York Times

"My peers and I feel strongly about the removal of the statue because it makes us feel uncomfortable and it is very offensive," she wrote in the petition, which collected hundreds of signatures.

The New York Times

It is very offensive.

WikiHow

This turns everyone off, and it is very offensive.

WikiHow

If you're losing the game, don't just say the person is modding, it is very offensive to them and makes you sound like a sore loser, because they're not even modding.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It's very offensive".

The New York Times

It's very offensive to us.

The Guardian - Sport

"I don't have the time to check out if it's true, but if it is, it's very offensive".

The New York Times

"My response was that it was very offensive," Mr. Giuliani said, "it was outrageous, and that it had the potential of causing serious disruption, civil unrest, and concerned me greatly".

The New York Times

But Dr. Helen Fagin, who settled in the United States after being liberated by American soldiers in Poland and who serves on an advisory board that endorsed the memorial, said that it was "very offensive, egregious and disingenuous" to compare the design with Nazi architecture.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is very offensive" when you want to clearly express strong disapproval of something, ensuring the context is appropriate for such a direct statement.

Common error

Avoid using "it is very offensive" excessively, as it can lose its impact. Consider using more nuanced language to describe the specific nature of the offense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is very offensive" functions as a declarative statement expressing a subjective judgment. Ludwig indicates its use is grammatically sound. Examples show it used to directly label something as causing offense.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is very offensive" is a common and grammatically sound way to express strong disapproval or hurt caused by something. According to Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, media, and informal conversations. While alternatives like "it is deeply offensive" or "it is disrespectful" can provide nuance, it's crucial to avoid overuse to maintain impact. Understanding the register and communicative purpose allows for effective communication when addressing sensitive topics. Examples show its prevalent use across different domains demonstrating its wide acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is deeply offensive

Emphasizes a stronger degree of offensiveness.

it is extremely offensive

Indicates a high level of offensiveness.

it is highly offensive

Similar to 'extremely' but can suggest a wider recognition of the offensiveness.

it is terribly offensive

Highlights the unpleasant nature of the offensiveness.

it is quite offensive

Suggests a noticeable degree of offensiveness, slightly less intense than 'very'.

it is rather offensive

Similar to 'quite offensive', indicating a moderate level of offense.

it is hurtful

Focuses on the emotional impact of the offensive action or statement.

it is disrespectful

Highlights a lack of respect as the primary issue.

it is inappropriate

Indicates that the action or statement is not suitable for the context.

it is unacceptable

Highlights the non-permissible nature of the action or statement.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is very offensive" to express strong disapproval or hurt caused by something. For example: "His comments about her background were insensitive, and "it is very offensive" to many people".

What are some alternatives to saying "it is very offensive"?

You can use alternatives such as "it is deeply offensive", "it is highly offensive", or "it is disrespectful" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "it is offensive" or "it is very offensive"?

Both are correct, but ""it is very offensive"" emphasizes a stronger degree of offense. The choice depends on the intensity of the feeling you want to express.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "it is very offensive"?

Use ""it is very offensive"" in situations where you want to clearly and directly express that something is highly inappropriate, disrespectful, or hurtful. It's suitable when you need to make a strong statement about the impact of certain actions or words.