she was very

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she was very" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
Example: She was very excited about the upcoming concert.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She was very bad.

The New Yorker

She was very hungry.

Independent

"She was very sarcastic.

The New York Times

"She was very introverted.

The New York Times

She was very old.

The New Yorker

"She was very shocked.

Independent

"She was very free.

The New York Times - Sports

She was very striking.

The New York Times

She was very genuine".

The New York Times

She was very likable.

The New Yorker

She was very strong.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "she was very" consider adding specific details or examples to illustrate the quality you're describing. Instead of "she was very intelligent", try "she was very intelligent, quickly grasping complex concepts and offering insightful solutions".

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "very" as it can weaken your writing. Seek stronger adjectives or adverbs to convey the intensity you intend. For example, instead of "very good" consider "excellent" or "superb".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she was very" functions as a descriptor, typically used to modify a noun or pronoun by attributing a quality or characteristic. It combines a subject pronoun, a form of the verb 'to be', an intensifier ('very'), and an adjective, as showcased in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "she was very" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for describing a subject’s qualities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and versatile construction. While common across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia, it's wise to consider stronger adjectives for enhanced impact, especially in formal writing. Remember to provide specific details to illustrate the described quality and avoid over-reliance on "very". The phrase serves to convey information, set the scene, and introduce characters, with a neutral register that fits diverse writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she was notably

Replaces "very" with "notably", which implies something easily observed or worthy of attention.

she appeared quite

Replaces "was very" with "appeared quite", focusing on outward presentation or impression.

she seemed extremely

Substitutes "was very" with "seemed extremely", highlighting the perceived intensity of a characteristic.

she turned out to be quite

Focuses on a revealed or unexpected quality, using "turned out to be" instead of a direct description.

she came across as particularly

Highlights the impression made on others, rather than a definitive attribute.

she proved herself exceptionally

Emphasizes demonstrated ability, replacing a general description with a specific achievement.

she acted rather

Conveys a similar meaning using "acted rather", suggesting a manner of behavior.

she behaved in a remarkably

Shifts focus to behavior, implying the observed quality through actions rather than direct statement.

she stood out as particularly

Focuses on exceptional qualities that make someone distinct, replacing a general description with emphasis.

she presented herself as considerably

Highlights the deliberate projection of a quality, adding a layer of intentionality.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to saying "she was very"?

You can use alternatives like "she was extremely", "she was quite", or "she was remarkably" depending on the context.

How can I make my writing more descriptive than just using "she was very"?

Instead of saying "she was very happy", provide details that show her happiness, such as "she was beaming with joy" or "she was ecstatic, jumping up and down with excitement".

Is it grammatically correct to use "she was very"?

Yes, using "she was very" is grammatically correct. However, while correct, consider if a stronger adjective might improve your writing. For example, instead of "she was very angry" you could say "she was furious".

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "she was very"?

The phrase "she was very" is suitable in various contexts, but it's especially fitting when providing a general description. For example, it works well when briefly introducing a character or setting the scene. However, in more formal writing, consider stronger adjectives for impact.