the very thought

USAGE SUMMARY

"the very thought" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to something that has been thought about, and also to emphasize a particular thought. For example, "The very thought of going on another monotonous walk filled me with dread."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Does the very thought bring you out in a sweat?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The very thought is absurd.

The New Yorker

The very thought of it.

Independent

The very thought!

The New York Times - Sports

The very thought of it unmanned him.

The New Yorker

The very thought of this lumpy slurry was repulsive.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Norrington purrs at the very thought of it.

The Guardian - Music

The very thought left a bad taste in my mouth".

The Guardian - Film

The very thought of him makes Brutus furious.

The Guardian

Kenny Barron played "The Very Thought of You".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I looked north, in its direction-the very thought of that bridge a beacon to me.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "the very thought" to introduce a concept that is either highly desirable or extremely undesirable, setting the tone for the subsequent discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "the very thought" in situations where a more neutral expression would be more appropriate. It's best reserved for scenarios involving strong emotions or significant implications. Consider alternatives if the situation doesn't warrant such emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the very thought" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a subject or idea, emphasizing the emotional or psychological impact it has on the speaker or subject. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"The very thought" is a versatile phrase used to express a strong emotional reaction to a particular idea or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, its impact is undeniable, effectively conveying everything from delight to dread. When writing, remember to reserve it for scenarios where the emphasis on emotion is truly warranted. Alternatives like "the mere idea" or "the very idea of it" can provide nuanced variations on the same theme.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the very idea of it

Adds a more emphatic tone, reinforcing the concept's impact.

the thought alone

Focuses on the mental consideration, isolating it from any action or reality.

the mere idea

Emphasizes the basic concept or notion, often implying a negative or averse reaction.

just the idea

Highlights the simplicity or bare minimum of the concept being considered.

the very suggestion

Shifts focus to the act of proposing the idea, implying possible resistance.

the sheer notion

Stresses the magnitude or surprising nature of the concept.

the concept itself

Highlights the fundamental nature of the idea, often in an analytical context.

the whisper of an idea

Suggests a faint or nascent idea, often carrying a sense of anticipation or uncertainty.

the inkling

Conveys a vague or uncertain feeling about something.

the faintest possibility

Emphasizes how unlikely it is or how slight it would be.

FAQs

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

"The very thought" is used to express a strong reaction to something. For example, "The very thought of public speaking fills me with anxiety".

What are some alternatives to "the very thought"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "the mere idea", "just the idea", or "the very idea of it".

Is it grammatically correct to say "the very thought of"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase typically introduces the subject or situation that evokes the particular thought or feeling.

What does "the very thought" emphasize?

It emphasizes the intensity of the feeling or reaction associated with the subject matter. It suggests that even considering the subject is enough to elicit a strong response.