the very stuff of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the very stuff of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the fundamental or essential nature of something, often in a poetic or dramatic context. Example: "For many, love is the very stuff of life, providing meaning and purpose."

✓ Grammatically correct

Literature

Life Experiences

Drama

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It is the very stuff of literature.

The New York Times - Books

In short, the very stuff of Nobels.

The Washington Post

It is the very stuff of life itself.

Stanford University

Memory is the very stuff of time travel.

The New Yorker

In other words, the very stuff of Comment is free.

The Guardian - Opinion

Which is the whole idea: Subtle shortcuts are the very stuff of perceptual intuition.

The New York Times - Health

These are not occasional whims, but the very stuff of Angolan private sector life".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

When we imagine him writing his book, we see a human being, part of a society of equals in which he's participating by sharing his thoughts--the very stuff of interconnectedness.

The New Yorker

When, in other words, do threats the very stuff of political life become extortion?

The Economist

"In many ways, this is the very 'stuff' of the American Dream, which underlies so much of my work and my life's story America's story, really".

Huffington Post

Sweet corn, tomatoes and pepper plants, once the very stuff of summers, are now stressed by too much heat.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase to add emphasis when describing the fundamental components or qualities of an idea, experience, or field of study. For instance, "Conflict is "the very stuff of" drama", highlighting its essential role in dramatic narratives.

Common error

Avoid using this phrase in overly simple or mundane contexts where a more straightforward description would suffice. Reserve it for situations where emphasis or a touch of drama is truly needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the very stuff of" functions as an intensifier, highlighting that what follows is the essential component or core element of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used to emphasize the fundamental nature of a concept or experience.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Books

15%

Lifestyle

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Opinion

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the very stuff of" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the fundamental and essential nature of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, and it appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news, media, and literature. While it's generally suitable for both formal and informal writing, it's best used when you want to highlight the core components or qualities of an idea or experience. Remember to avoid overusing it in simplistic contexts, reserving it for situations where emphasis is truly needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the essence of

Replaces "stuff" with "essence", focusing on the intrinsic nature.

the heart of

Emphasizes the central and most important part.

the core of

Highlights the fundamental and essential element.

the very foundation of

Stresses the base or groundwork on which something is built.

the very fabric of

Implies that something is interwoven and integral.

the key ingredient of

Focuses on the crucial component that makes something work.

the defining characteristic of

Highlights the attribute that distinguishes something.

the very spirit of

Emphasizes the underlying and animating principle.

the lifeblood of

Implies that something is vital and sustaining.

the basis of

Highlights the underlying principle or reason.

FAQs

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

Use "the very stuff of" to emphasize that something is a fundamental or essential element of something else. For example, "Imagination is "the very stuff of" creativity".

What's a good alternative to "the very stuff of"?

Alternatives include "the essence of", "the heart of", or "the core of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "the very stuff of" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it's often used to add emphasis or a slightly dramatic tone. It works well in writing where you want to highlight something's fundamental nature.

What does "the very stuff of" imply?

It implies that whatever follows the phrase is not just a part of something, but its essential and fundamental component, its defining characteristic.