the very same course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the very same course" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is identical or exactly the same as something previously mentioned. Example: "After reviewing the options, I realized that I had taken the very same course last semester."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

So it was fitting last week when his younger brother Nicanor earned his first victory over the very same course, also trouncing the field in a manner that suggested he is far more than just another horse.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I played in only five tournaments last year," Zahringer said, "and I closed the season by winning the Nassau Invitational on this very same course.

The New York Times - Sports

On the first day of class, when Auel told his standing-room-only lecture that Hopper had taken a version of that very same course likely in the very same classroom while she was a graduate student in math at Yale, he was met with audible delight and excitement from students.

Yale University

It pursued this very same course with great success when it launched the original Kindle in 2007.

Harvard Business Review

(They are the very same people, of course, whom Michael Bennett tapped when he developed and directed the original "Chorus Line" in the mid-1970s).

The New York Times

The quote of the week is from Juli Inkster, who won the U.S. Women's Open on the very same Prairie Dunes course in Hutchinson, Kan., where she had won the U.S. Women's Amateur in 1980.

Los Angeles Times

The very same World Championships, of course, which McLaren revealed had been systematically undermined by the Russia's sports ministry, security forces, and anti-doping agency.

The Guardian - Sport

One of the vectors of those connections was, of course, the very same Vikings now serving as fodder for American hate.

The Washington Post

And then of course the very same people who compile the forecast often verify it themselves, with the obvious potential problems that can lead to!

BBC

And, of course, the very same issues Pyes raised in 2000 -- Miller's questionable judgment, her advocacy, her willingness to take dictation from government sources -- were the ones that reappeared in Miller's pre-war "reporting" on Saddam's WMD.

HuffPost

Of course, the very same request made to Palestinians is now being asked of Israelis, and the result has not been that forthcoming.It split Israel's ruling coalition and the country, and produced a huge uproar among the country's non-Jewish population.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: in formal settings, 'the selfsame course' might add a touch of sophistication, while 'the exact same course' provides direct emphasis in informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "the very same course" when simply referring to a similar or related course. The phrase implies an exact match, so ensure the courses are truly identical to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the very same course" functions as a determiner phrase modifying the noun 'course'. It serves to specify and emphasize that the course being referred to is identical to one previously mentioned or understood. As confirmed by Ludwig, it adds emphasis to the sameness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the very same course" is a phrase used to emphasize that a specific course is identical to one previously mentioned or understood. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While the phrase is versatile, it sees frequent use in News & Media and Academic contexts. When aiming for clarity, it’s best to ensure you are indeed referring to an identical course to maintain precision in communication. Alternatives like ""the identical course"" or ""the exact same course"" can provide similar emphasis with slight differences in tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the identical course

Replaces 'very same' with 'identical', emphasizing the exact match of the course.

the selfsame course

Uses 'selfsame' for a slightly more formal or emphatic tone, indicating the course is exactly the same.

the exact same course

Replaces 'very' with 'exact', reinforcing the precise equivalence of the course.

that very course

Uses 'that very' to point to a specific course already mentioned or understood.

the aforementioned course

Refers back to a course previously mentioned, often in formal writing.

the course in question

Highlights that the course is under discussion or consideration.

the course we discussed

Directly indicates a course that has been talked about by the involved speakers.

the same subject

Indicates the same academic subject area is under consideration.

the parallel course

Indicates course is related to another.

the equivalent class

Suggests the course provides similar knowledge, but could be structured differently.

FAQs

What does "the very same course" mean?

It means exactly the same course, emphasizing that it is identical to one previously mentioned or known. It highlights that there are no differences between the two.

How can I use "the very same course" in a sentence?

You might say, "After reviewing the curriculum, I realized I had taken "the very same course" last semester." This emphasizes you're referring to identical learning material.

What can I say instead of "the very same course"?

Alternatives include "the identical course", "the exact same course", or "the selfsame course", each offering a slightly different nuance in emphasis.

Is there a difference between "the same course" and "the very same course"?

"The same course" indicates that the courses are similar or related. "The very same course", on the other hand, stresses that the courses are absolutely identical. The latter emphasizes the lack of any difference.