the very notion of

USAGE SUMMARY

"the very notion of" is a commonly used phrase in written English and is grammatically correct.
It is typically used to emphasize the concept or idea being discussed. Examples of when it can be used include: 1. The very notion of love is often associated with feelings of affection and devotion. 2. He was outraged by the very notion of injustice and worked tirelessly to fight against it. 3. The very notion of traveling to a new country excites me. 4. The concept of time and its passing is explored in the very notion of mortality. 5. She couldn't wrap her head around the very notion of parallel universes existing. 6. The very notion of a perfect world is often a topic of philosophical debate. 7. The very notion of freedom of speech is a fundamental principle in many societies. 8. I was intrigued by the very notion of time travel and its potential implications. 9. The very notion of fate and destiny has been pondered by philosophers and theologians for centuries. 10. The very notion of forgiveness and its power to heal is a central theme in many religions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The very notion of reality is psychological.

The New Yorker

"The very notion of" is a cliché.

The New Yorker

The very notion of a problem, colon, is a cliché.

The New Yorker

The verdict repudiates the very notion of police as protectors.

The New York Times

But instead, the very notion of harm reduction inflames them.

The New York Times - Health

The very notion of standing there, alone, I found beautiful.

The Guardian - Music

The very notion of success appears to cause her discomfort.

The Guardian - Film

Now the very notion of "Merkozy" sounds hollow.

The Economist

He has obliterated the very notion of lanes.

The New Yorker

The very notion of alternative anything is a romantic illusion.

The New York Times - Arts

But the very notion of teaching contemporary politics makes some uncomfortable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the very notion of", ensure that the noun following 'of' is clearly defined or understood within the context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "the very notion of" when a simpler phrase like "the idea of" or "the concept of" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound pretentious or unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the very notion of" functions as an intensifier and determiner, emphasizing the significance or fundamental nature of the noun that follows. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct. It serves to highlight the core concept being discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the very notion of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves to emphasize a concept or idea, often setting the stage for further analysis or discussion. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is well-regarded. Its usage is more prevalent in formal contexts such as news, media, and scientific writing, making it a versatile tool for writers aiming to add weight to their arguments. While effective, it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding pretentious, and simpler alternatives may be more appropriate in less formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the very concept of

Replaces 'notion' with 'concept', emphasizing the understanding of an idea.

the very idea of

Substitutes 'notion' with 'idea', which is a more general term for a thought or suggestion.

the underlying principle of

Focuses on the fundamental rule or belief upon which something is based.

the basic premise of

Highlights the foundational statement that supports a line of reasoning.

the essence of

Captures the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something.

the heart of the matter

Emphasizes the core or most important aspect of a situation or topic.

the crux of

Highlights the decisive point or critical feature.

the essence of

Focuses on the most important ingredient; crucial element.

the core of

Focuses on the most important part of something.

the very spirit of

Emphasizes the attitude, feeling or main quality of something.

FAQs

How can I use "the very notion of" in a sentence?

You can use "the very notion of" to emphasize a concept or idea, like in the sentence, "The very notion of justice implies fairness and equality."

What are some alternatives to "the very notion of"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "the very concept of", "the very idea of", or "the underlying principle of", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "the very notion of" and "the idea of"?

While similar, "the very notion of" often carries a stronger emphasis or implies a more fundamental consideration than simply "the idea of". It highlights the core concept itself.

When is it appropriate to use "the very notion of" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize a concept that is central to your argument, potentially controversial, or perhaps taken for granted. It adds a layer of significance to the idea being discussed.