that very day

USAGE SUMMARY

"that very day" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to emphasize the immediacy of something, for example: "I wanted to tell him how I felt, but I waited until that very day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They were returned that very day.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Bandier, beaming, signs Mr. Posner that very day.

The New York Times

Napoleon had died that very day, but there was no mention of his death for weeks.

The Guardian

Spanish immigration law had been changed that very day, though it was rescinded two weeks later.

The Guardian - Opinion

I expected to hear nothing, but I was pleasantly surprised to get a response that very day.

The Guardian

People who think they may be coming down with shingles "should seek medical assistance that very day," Dr. Oaklander said.

The New York Times

That company had acquired the home from a private seller that very day, paying only $175,000.

The New York Times

Fifteen people came to their first open house, and someone made an offer that very day, Ms. Steinberg recalled.

The New York Times

She received a heart transplant that very day.

Huffington Post

And at that moment, I was taken back to two hours earlier that very day.

Huffington Post

I had an exam that very day, which got postponed for the third time.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that very day" to create a sense of urgency or immediacy, emphasizing that something happened without delay. For example, "He received the offer and accepted it that very day."

Common error

While "that very day" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Consider more sophisticated synonyms or rephrasing for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that very day" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It specifies the timing of an action or event, emphasizing that it occurred on the particular day being referenced. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and emphasizes immediacy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that very day" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that emphasizes the immediacy of an event. According to Ludwig AI, its primary function is to specify timing, highlighting the lack of delay. While suitable for various contexts, it's most commonly found in news and media, maintaining a neutral register. Alternatives like "on the same day" or "immediately" can be considered for stylistic variation. When aiming for a more formal tone, rephrasing with options like "on that specific day" might enhance the sophistication of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the same day

Focuses on the simultaneity of events, rather than the emphasis on "very".

that specific day

Emphasizes the particular day in question, replacing "very" with "specific".

the same exact day

Adds more intensity by using "exact" in addition to "same", intensifying the meaning.

immediately that day

Highlights the lack of delay, focusing on the immediate action following the day.

that very instant

Shifts the focus to an instant, implying even greater immediacy than a whole day.

then and there

Indicates immediate action at a specific moment, rather than an entire day.

on that occasion

Refers to a specific event or instance, broadening the context beyond just the day.

that fateful day

Implies a significant or decisive event occurred on the day, adding emotional weight.

the day itself

Emphasizes the day as a distinct entity, rather than focusing on the timing of events.

upon that day

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of indicating the occurrence on that particular day.

FAQs

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

Use "that very day" to emphasize the immediate occurrence of an event. For instance, "She applied for the job and received a call back "that very day"".

What are some alternatives to "that very day"?

You can use alternatives such as "on the same day", "immediately", or "at once" to convey a similar meaning. The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

While grammatically correct, "that very day" might sound less formal than other options. In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "on that specific day" or "the same day".

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

"That very day" emphasizes immediacy and the lack of delay, while "later that day" simply indicates that something happened at a subsequent time on the same day.