really precious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "really precious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is very valuable or dear to someone, often in an emotional or sentimental context. Example: "The necklace my grandmother gave me is really precious to me; it holds so many memories."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

That's really precious.

The Guardian

And those moments can be really, really precious".

Independent

I also got really precious about conditions being just right.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I've been given something really precious," she said.

The New York Times - Books

When you work crazy hours, that time to do nothing is really precious.

The New York Times

We have to protect the BBC … this is something really, really precious.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

"The quiet time with yourself and your family is really the precious commodity.

The New York Times

Even though they tear up to the pitch, snort and stare after propelling the ball at 90mph, they can be really quite precious.

The Guardian - Sport

For all the talk of their relationship being the axis around which the convention will turn, she really has precious little leverage.

The Guardian - Opinion

Are children really such precious dears, such special snowflakes, that they can't listen to any adult other than their own parents?

The Guardian - Opinion

This sturdy unity allows Silber to put in a story — the one about Kit, the hippie mom whose time in Mexico subtly changes her ("It made me less stupid, which was really very precious") — that connects only tenuously to the other five, in which the alien culture is always Thai.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "really precious" to express genuine appreciation or sentimental value. Ensure the context aligns with the emotional weight the phrase carries. For example, it works well when describing keepsakes, memories, or relationships.

Common error

While "really precious" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal or professional writing. Opt for more objective terms like "valuable" or "significant" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "really precious" is to act as a compound adjective modifying a noun. As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English. It emphasizes the degree to which something is valued or cherished, amplifying the meaning of "precious."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "really precious" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express that something is highly valuable or dear. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, and according to the analysis provided it is most often used in news and media, and wiki type sources. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal settings and should be used judiciously in formal writing, opting for alternatives like "truly valuable" or "extremely dear" where appropriate. The phrase effectively conveys emotional significance, making it a reliable choice for expressing genuine appreciation or sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely dear

Highlights affection and emotional attachment more explicitly.

deeply treasured

Conveys a sense of safeguarding and protecting something of great personal value.

truly valuable

Emphasizes inherent worth, shifting focus from sentiment to objective value.

incredibly valuable

Stresses the high level of worth or importance.

genuinely cherished

Focuses on the act of cherishing, suggesting ongoing care and appreciation.

exceptionally special

Focuses on the uniqueness and distinctiveness of something.

utterly priceless

Implies that something's value is beyond monetary measure, emphasizing uniqueness.

highly esteemed

Indicates respect and admiration, often in a more formal context.

remarkably important

Highlights the significance or consequence of something.

uncommonly exquisite

Emphasizes rare and refined beauty or quality.

FAQs

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

You can use "really precious" to describe something that is very valuable or dear to you. For example, "The time I spend with my family is "really precious" to me".

What can I say instead of "really precious"?

You can use alternatives like "truly valuable", "extremely dear", or "genuinely cherished" depending on the specific context.

Is "really precious" formal or informal?

The phrase "really precious" is generally considered to be more informal. In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "highly esteemed" or "incredibly valuable".

What makes something "really precious"?

Something is "really precious" when it holds great personal, emotional, or sentimental value. It could be a memory, a relationship, or an object that is deeply cherished.