the very text

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the very text" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the specific text being referred to, often in discussions about literature, analysis, or interpretation. Example: "In her analysis, she referred to the very text that sparked the debate among scholars."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

McEwan's book is a hybrid in another way -- one that first becomes apparent in Connolly's letter, which is after all a literary commentary on the very text we're reading.

The New York Times - Books

Albright's flights of moral passion, her description of the United States as the "indispensable nation" and her eagerness to use the military for humanitarian purposes appear to Rice and her colleagues as the very text of reckless Wilsonianism.

The New York Times - Magazine

Ravenhill went back to Tacitus for his new aria, the very text that Venetian librettist Busonello – then billed higher than Monteverdi – would have consulted when he wrote his libretto.

Independent

As early as we can see, Arthur – in the very text that Dr Breeze fixes on, the early ninth century History of the Britons – is already a figure of legend and literature, rather than history.

Independent

In one of the great ironies of religious history, the very text that led to the creation of the church -- the Bible -- helped undermine the church, at least when it was translated into the vernacular, particularly English.

The New York Times - Books

Because the corruptions that had consequently been introduced into the life and message of the church and into the very text of the New Testament had to be expunged, Marcion edited his own versions of the biblical books.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

In other words, what James does here, as elsewhere, is to summon unholy terror from the very texts and objects that concern him.

The New Yorker

At one point, when Islamists were dominating Tahrir Square and public discourse in general, he painted Qur'anic verses berating the sins of pride, power-seeking and hypocrisy – embarrassing the Islamists with the very texts they claim for their own.

The Guardian

Thus even under optimal conditions – using a custom dictionary that was created during the markup of the very texts to be analyzed – person names in classical Chinese cannot be reliably identified for statistical analysis through dictionary look-up alone.

Lingua Sinica

I do encourage you to read this book, especially Jonathan Sacks' exploration of why the relationship between Judaism, Christianity and Islam has been so often so toxic and how the very texts that divide us can provide a solution to the problem.

Huffington Post

If you didn't put something down, it's going to be missing and you can see straightaway" (Care Manger)." Given the very text-based environment of mental health, EHR was perceived to have improved patient safety by enhancing readability of patient notes: " "The main thing really is that we can read people's writing.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referencing "the very text", consider providing direct quotations to support your analysis, enhancing the clarity and credibility of your points.

Common error

While "the very text" can add emphasis, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "the specific passage" or "the precise wording" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the very text" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically emphasizing the importance or relevance of a particular text being referred to. This determinative function is supported by Ludwig, which identifies correct and usable contexts for this phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the very text" serves as a determiner phrase used to highlight the significance of specific wording within a text. As supported by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and most commonly found in news, encyclopedic, and scientific contexts. While the phrase effectively emphasizes particular textual elements, it's best used judiciously to avoid redundancy. Consider alternatives like "the specific passage" or "the precise wording" for variety. The AI confirms this is a valid English phrase, although its frequency is relatively uncommon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the precise wording

Emphasizes the exact words used in the text.

the specific passage

Highlights a particular section or excerpt from the text.

the exact words

Focuses on the literal words present in the text.

the original manuscript

Refers to the authentic, unaltered version of the text.

the actual document

Highlights the physical or digital instance of the text.

the stated text

Emphasizes that the text is explicitly declared or presented.

the given text

Focuses on a provided or already mentioned text.

the selfsame text

Highlights that it is precisely that text and no other.

the identical text

Indicates that the text is exactly the same as another reference.

the aforementioned text

Refers to a text previously mentioned.

FAQs

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

You can use "the very text" to emphasize a specific passage or set of words you are referring to, particularly when analyzing or interpreting it. For example: "The debate centers around "the very text" of the amendment."

What can I say instead of "the very text"?

You can use alternatives like "the specific passage", "the precise wording", or "the actual document" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "the very text"?

It's appropriate to use "the very text" when you want to draw particular attention to the exact words or phrasing of a document, often to highlight a key point or to support a specific interpretation.

Is there a difference between "the very text" and "the original text"?

Yes, "the very text" emphasizes the exact wording being discussed, while "the original text" refers to the source document in its initial, unaltered form.