the very most

USAGE SUMMARY

"the very most" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used for emphasis and is similar in meaning to "the utmost" or "the absolute maximum." Example: "She gave her very most to the project, working long hours and sacrificing her personal time to ensure its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The atmosphere and the very "1950s" attitude towards women struck me as well-researched, particularly as I spent six months in Paris at about that time.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Competitors include WineLog, TasteVine, Vinorati, and the very 1.0 WineSearcher.

TechCrunch

Add to that the very '90s-inspired hair and choker and you have what just might be our favorite look yet.

Huffington Post

For both PH-1 and ebr1 readseq reads were evenly distributed the exception of the very 5′ and 3′ ends.

BMC Genomics

By E9.5, all but the very 3'-most amplicon is detected, and the entire lncRNA is detectable in adult tissue.

Epigenetics and Chromatin

NanoCAGE also generates false TSSs due to premature template switching before reaching the very 5′ end of transcripts [ 9].

BMC Genomics

In vitro derived data confirmed a strong preference for the initiating AUG to be placed at the very 5′ terminus.

FEBS Letters

Singapore Airlines will get the very first A380 to be delivered, in 2006.

The New York Times

Preliminary results from the very first Medipix3 readouts bump bonded to 300μm Si sensor are presented.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

For 1996, Audi introduced the very successful A4 compact sedan.

The New York Times

Now, think back to the very stable N2 molecule.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the very most" to emphasize a maximum quantity, degree, or effort. It adds a layer of intensity that "the most" alone might lack.

Common error

Avoid using "the very most" in simple comparisons where "the most" is sufficient. For example, instead of "This is the very most important thing", consider if "This is the most important thing" conveys the message adequately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the very most" typically functions as an intensifier modifying a noun or adjective. It amplifies the degree or quantity being described, emphasizing that something is at its absolute maximum. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, underscoring its role in adding emphasis.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the very most" is a grammatically correct and usable expression used to emphasize the maximum degree or quantity of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and utility in written English. While it functions as an intensifier, its frequency is relatively rare, and its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for various contexts where strong emphasis is desired. Related phrases include "the utmost" and "absolute maximum", offering alternatives for nuanced expression. When using "the very most", remember that the key is intensity: to add force to something already at its apex.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the utmost

Replaces "very" with "utmost", conveying a similar sense of maximum extent or degree.

the absolute maximum

Uses more explicit terminology to emphasize that the quantity or degree is at its highest possible level.

the greatest possible

Highlights the possibility of achieving the highest level, implying a sense of potential and limit.

the highest degree

Focuses on the level or intensity, suggesting an elevated state or condition.

the maximum extent

Emphasizes the reach or scope, indicating the furthest possible range or limit.

at most

Indicates an upper limit or boundary, specifying that the actual value cannot exceed this maximum.

the most extreme

Implies that the situation or condition is at its furthest point from the norm.

the peak

Conveys that something has reached its highest point or level of achievement.

the zenith

Suggests the highest point or culmination, often used in a more formal or literary context.

the upper limit

Specifically indicates the highest possible boundary or restriction.

FAQs

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

Use "the very most" to emphasize the extreme degree or quantity of something. For example, "She gave it "her very most" effort" shows exceptional commitment.

What phrases are similar to "the very most"?

Similar phrases include "the utmost", "absolute maximum", and "greatest possible", all used to express a maximum degree or amount.

Is there a difference between "the most" and "the very most"?

"The very most" adds emphasis and intensity compared to simply using "the most". It suggests that something is at its absolute peak or highest degree.

When is it appropriate to use "the very most" over other similar phrases?

Use "the very most" when you want to strongly emphasize the maximum extent, degree, or effort. It's effective when highlighting exceptional commitment or the highest possible level.