the very expression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the very expression" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the specific phrase or term being discussed, often to highlight its significance or meaning. Example: "The very expression of love can take many forms, from simple gestures to grand declarations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

The world of "Flawless" predates the very expression sexual harassment.

The New York Times

Dr. Eric Kandel and other researchers have shown how experiences and social interactions modify the very expression of genes and thus the functioning of nerve cells.

The New York Times - Science

No wonder the chart, the very expression of science's search for pattern, has become a cultural icon, with knockoffs like the Periodic Table of the Fruits and Nuts sold in novelty shops.

The New York Times - Science

Musician and composer Henry Threadgill won the music prize for his recording In for a Penny, In for a Pound, a work the judges declared "a sonic tapestry that seems the very expression of modern American life".

The Guardian - Books

Sonia is the one who admires Le Corbusier, and though Alexander can recognise the quality of the building when he's inside it, he's doubtful about the underlying assumptions – "machine for living, I mean, the very expression.

The Guardian - Books

Keep your mind from this way of enquiry, for never will you show that not-being is Such is his testimony, which is confirmed by the very expression when sifted a little.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

No doubt the very expressions "soft power" and "peace and prosperity" have too effete and soft-focus a ring for those who see the real enemy as Kalashnikov-bearing bigots and mass murdering suicide bombers.

The Guardian - Opinion

And indeed how can any rational man assent to them, when the very expressions which we have just used were before acknowledged by us to be unutterable, unspeakable, indescribable, unthinkable?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Our emotions, rather than feeding stale and repetitive mental habits, can manifest as the very expressions of being alive and living fully in an authentic way.

Huffington Post

In contrast to the very low expression in NDE, we observed a prominent expression of MARK4 protein in AD tissues.

Acta neuropathologica communications

Interestingly, Y7 showed expression in several tissues in contrast to the very narrow expression observed for chicken Y7 [ 39].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the very expression" when you want to draw attention to a specific term or phrase, emphasizing its importance or highlighting a particular aspect of its meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "the very expression" excessively in casual writing or conversation, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "that phrase" or "that term" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the very expression" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun, emphasizing and drawing attention to the specific term or phrase being referenced. As shown in Ludwig, it is used to single out an expression for particular consideration.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

22%

Science

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the very expression" is a phrase used to emphasize a specific term or phrase, highlighting its significance or requiring a closer look. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English, although it might sound too formal in very casual contexts. While primarily appearing in News & Media, Academia, and Science, remember that similar alternatives like "that exact wording" or "the specific phrase" may be more appropriate depending on the context. Overall, it's a useful phrase when emphasizing particular language is key to your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the actual expression

Emphasizes the authenticity or genuineness of the expression.

that specific phrase

Highlights the phrase as a unit of language.

the identical expression

Focuses on the sameness between one expression and another.

the exact term

Narrows the focus to a single word or term within a broader expression.

that exact wording

Focuses on the precise words used, rather than the overall concept of an expression.

the particular wording

Similar to 'that exact wording' but slightly less emphatic.

the specific phraseology

Emphasizes the style and arrangement of words in the expression.

the precise formulation

Highlights the way an idea is presented or phrased.

the given locution

Uses a more formal or technical word for expression.

the literal phrasing

Draws attention to the direct and non-figurative interpretation of the words.

FAQs

How can I use "the very expression" in a sentence?

You can use "the very expression" to emphasize a particular phrase or term, as in: "The very expression sexual harassment predates the events described."

What does "the very expression" mean?

The phrase "the very expression" emphasizes the particular term or phrase being discussed, often to highlight its significance or specific meaning in a given context.

What can I say instead of "the very expression"?

Alternatives include "that exact wording", "the specific phrase", or "the exact term", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "the very expression" in formal writing?

Yes, "the very expression" is appropriate for formal writing when you need to emphasize a particular term or phrase. However, be mindful of overuse, as it can make your writing sound stilted. In less formal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives such as "that phrase".