the very structure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the very structure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the significance of a certain structure or idea. For example, "The very structure of this government is flawed and needs to be reformed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The very structure is dehumanizing.

The New York Times - Travel

The problem arises from the very structure of the EUETS.

The Guardian - Opinion

Indeed, it belongs to the very structure of this freedom.

The Guardian - Opinion

One of these is the very structure of the show.

The New York Times

It is part of the very structure of Australian society.

The Guardian - Opinion

The very structure of a quiz mandates self-reflection.

University of California, Berkeley

The very structure of the Internet turns out to be alarming.

The New Yorker

The idea has been ingrained in the very structure of urban thinking for centuries.

The New York Times

In the traditional company, boundaries were "hardwired" into the very structure of the organization.

Harvard Business Review

The very structure of the Aeneid is a wink at Homer.

The New Yorker

The most likely common problem is bias — built into the very structure of these trials.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the very structure" to emphasize that a particular arrangement, system, or framework is fundamental and deeply ingrained. This conveys that the described structure is not superficial but essential.

Common error

Avoid using "the very structure" when a simpler term like "the structure" would suffice. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the very structure" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI shows, it emphasizes the core framework or foundational arrangement of something. It's used to highlight the essential nature of a particular organization or system.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

28%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the very structure" is a versatile and commonly used noun phrase that emphasizes the fundamental nature of an arrangement or system. As evidenced by the various examples provided by Ludwig, its primary function is to highlight the essential framework of something, whether it's in news, academic writing, or scientific discourse. The phrase is grammatically correct and most often appears in neutral to formal contexts. It is important to use this phrase judiciously, ensuring that it adds meaningful emphasis rather than unnecessary wordiness. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the fundamental framework

Replaces "structure" with "framework" and adds "fundamental" to emphasize the base level.

the essential architecture

Substitutes "structure" with "architecture" and "very" with "essential", focusing on design and core layout.

the intrinsic organization

Replaces "structure" with "organization" and "very" with "intrinsic", highlighting inherent arrangement.

the core foundation

Emphasizes the basic underlying principles rather than the entire structure.

the underlying infrastructure

Focuses on the supporting systems beneath a higher-level structure.

the inherent composition

Highlights the elements that make up the structure instead of the arrangement itself.

the basic arrangement

Emphasizes the organization and order as a whole instead of the individual parts of the structure.

the integral framework

Uses "integral" to underscore the importance of the framework to the entity it supports.

the key components

Changes focus to specific components of the structure, deemphasizing the entire form.

the systemic nature

Shifts focus to the quality of being a system, rather than the specific arrangement of elements.

FAQs

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

Use "the very structure" to emphasize a fundamental arrangement or system. For example, "The very structure of the brain influences cognitive abilities".

What are some alternatives to "the very structure"?

Alternatives include "the fundamental framework", "the essential architecture", or "the intrinsic organization", each carrying slightly different connotations.

When is it appropriate to use "the very structure" over "the structure"?

Use "the very structure" when you want to highlight that the structure in question is not just any structure, but the most essential or fundamental one. It adds emphasis and importance to the described arrangement.

Is it correct to say "the very structures" instead of "the very structure"?

Yes, "the very structures" is correct when referring to multiple arrangements or systems. For example, "The very structures of the cells are essential for survival".