really intense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "really intense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very strong, powerful, or extreme in nature, such as emotions, experiences, or situations. Example: "The movie was really intense, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats throughout."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Arts

Film

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was really intense.

The New York Times

"He's really intense," Nash said.

The New York Times - Sports

A really intense horse.

The Guardian - Music

"It's not really intense.

The New York Times - Sports

"He is just really intense.

The New York Times - Sports

The baggage was really intense".

The Guardian - Tech

It was really intense today.

The Guardian - Sport

"But we have really intense fans.

The New York Times - Sports

Wendel Duo playing is really intense.

The New York Times - Arts

"It was really intense," Wilson recalls.

Independent

"That was really intense," he said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for "really intense" when aiming for a balance between informality and impact in your writing. It effectively conveys strong feelings without being overly formal.

Common error

While "really intense" is acceptable in many situations, avoid it in highly formal or academic writing. Alternatives like "extremely intense" or "exceptionally profound" may be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "really intense" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase used to modify a noun. It amplifies the degree of intensity, making it stronger than just "intense". As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is a common and acceptable way to describe something forceful or extreme.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Sports

15%

Music

12%

Less common in

Film

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "really intense" is a common and generally accepted phrase used to amplify the feeling of intensity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as an adjectival phrase, primarily used to emphasize the degree of something, mostly in a neutral or informal context such as news, media or sports. While suitable for general use, it might be better to use more formal alternatives like "extremely intense" in academic or professional settings. The phrase is widely found in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, making it a reliable choice for conveying strong feelings or experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

truly intense

Emphasizes the genuineness of the intensity.

very intense

A more common and general synonym.

absolutely intense

Highlights the completeness and certainty of the intensity.

extremely intense

Indicates a high degree of intensity, more formal than "really".

intensely powerful

Shifts the focus to the power of the intensity.

exceptionally strong

Emphasizes the strength rather than the intensity.

remarkably fierce

Suggests a more aggressive or competitive intensity.

incredibly vivid

Focuses on the clarity and sharpness of the experience.

fiercely passionate

Highlights the strong emotional drive behind the intensity.

powerfully moving

Suggests the intensity creates a strong emotional impact.

FAQs

How can I use "really intense" in a sentence?

You can use "really intense" to describe a wide range of experiences or emotions. For example, "The movie had a "really intense" plot twist," or "Their argument became "really intense" quickly."

What are some alternatives to "really intense"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "extremely intense", "incredibly strong", or "exceptionally powerful" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "really intense" too informal for academic writing?

While "really intense" is generally understood, it might be considered too informal for academic writing. Consider using more formal alternatives such as "highly concentrated", or "exceptionally acute" depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "really intense" and "somewhat intense"?

"Really intense" indicates a high degree of intensity, suggesting something is very strong or extreme. "Somewhat intense" implies a moderate level of intensity, suggesting something is noticeable but not overwhelming.