on that very day

USAGE SUMMARY

'on that very day' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a specific day in the past, or to give emphasis to a specific day in the present. Example: On that very day, I decided to pursue my dream of becoming an actor.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Petit, indeed, moved on, that very day, to a sexual encounter with a groupie; Nevertheless, his astonishing feat is a clarion call to living life on the edge and he suggests that if you don't live yours as if you are on a tightrope, well then, you aren't really living after all.

Huffington Post

Recently I cancelled my services with BT for a specific date in May and they promptly terminated one of the services on that very day, some six weeks early.

BBC

A: I don't remember whether it happened on that very day.

The New York Times

Yet on that very day, Jewish fighters carried out more attacks in Warsaw.

The Washington Post

The answer was three times on that very day, as on every other.

The Guardian - Opinion

But on that very day, I began believing in the power of medicine.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Author feels that the spirit of the new Senator was born that very day on the road in France.

The New Yorker

I put it on and almost that very day I found myself at that exhibition fighting against the K.G.B.

The New Yorker

He told us that on that very Tuesday, still shaken and shocked, he took lunch at Time Café, "a once fashionable dining spot".

The Guardian - Books

That diet that's started with the very best intentions on Monday but ends that very day as soon as your co-worker walks into the office with a box of donuts.

HuffPost

Otaiba noted that on the very day (July 19) he was giving his Aspen talk, President Xi Jinping of China had arrived in Abu Dhabi.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, consider using the phrase in conjunction with specific dates or events to provide context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "on that very day" in situations where the emphasis is unnecessary or unnatural. Overusing it can make your writing sound melodramatic or forced.

Linguistic Context

Adverbial Phrase: The phrase "on that very day" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify when an action occurred. As Ludwig AI suggests, this emphasizes a specific point in time. It answers the question of 'when' something happened, adding temporal detail to the sentence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

14%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on that very day" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to emphasize the precise timing of an event. As Ludwig AI points out, it’s suitable for various contexts, predominantly in news and media, and adds a dramatic or significant tone. To use it effectively, ensure the emphasis is warranted and avoid overuse to maintain a natural flow in your writing. Remember, while similar phrases like "that specific day" or "on the same day" exist, they may not always capture the same level of emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that specific day

Replaces "very" with "specific" to emphasize the particularity of the day.

on that particular day

Substitutes "very" with "particular" to highlight the distinctiveness of the day.

on the same day

Focuses on the simultaneity of events rather than emphasizing the day itself.

that very date

Replaces "day" with "date" for a more formal tone and precise reference.

on that fateful day

Adds a sense of significance or destiny to the day.

on that precise day

Emphasizes the accuracy and exactness of the timing.

that day itself

Highlights the day as the focal point, adding emphasis.

on the day in question

Refers to a day previously mentioned or under discussion.

on said day

Uses formal legal language to refer back to a previously mentioned date.

on that blessed day

Adds a sense of joy or gratitude to the day.

FAQs

How can I use "on that very day" in a sentence?

Use "on that very day" to emphasize the timing of an event, indicating it happened precisely on that specific day. For example, "The contract was signed, and "on that very day", construction began".

What phrases are similar to "on that very day"?

Alternatives include "that specific day", "on that particular day", or "on the same day", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "on that very day" in formal writing?

Yes, "on that very day" is appropriate for formal writing when you want to add emphasis to the timing of an event. However, consider whether the emphasis is necessary for the context.

What's the difference between "on that day" and "on that very day"?

"On that day" simply refers to a specific day, while "on that very day" adds emphasis, suggesting the timing was significant or surprising. It highlights the immediacy of the event.