the very tip

USAGE SUMMARY

"the very tip" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the end or outermost part of something, for example: "I scraped my finger on the very tip of the knife."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Jenny lives on the very tip of Manhattan Island.

The Guardian - Books

At the very tip of the island was the lighthouse.

The New Yorker

They went high up onto the very tip of the crag.

The New Yorker

I think the Cambridge Analytica stuff is just the very tip of the iceberg.

The New York Times - Books

The tornado as seen from the ground is located at the very tip of the cone.

Britannica

Then, at the very tip of oblivion, the Red Sox came back again.

The New York Times - Sports

The Nile rhino is hanging on by the very tip of its insanely overpriced horn.

The Guardian

These days, thanks to the dams, only the very tip of the rock is visible.

The Guardian - Travel

The staff sergeant's suspected actions existed on the very tip of the spectrum of possibilities.

The New York Times

This is the very tip of a vastly underestimated, absolutely massive iceberg.

Independent

Most of all, the tweet was so problematic because it represented only the very tip of the iceberg.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the very tip" to precisely indicate the outermost point or edge of something, ensuring clarity and avoiding ambiguity in your description.

Common error

While "the very tip" is acceptable in most contexts, overuse in formal writing can sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "apex" or "extreme end" to vary your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the very tip" primarily functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, specifying the extreme or outermost part of something. It acts as an adjectival modifier, providing precise location or extent. Ludwig provides many examples across different categories.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the very tip" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves to precisely indicate the outermost point or edge of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts. While suitable for both formal and informal communication, it's advisable to avoid overuse in formal writing. Alternative phrases include "the extreme end" and "the farthest point". It's also important to consider the metaphorical usage, similar to "the tip of the iceberg", when describing the initial stage of something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the extreme end

Focuses on the extremity of a location or object.

the farthest point

Emphasizes the distance to the end.

the uttermost edge

Highlights the complete or absolute nature of the edge.

the leading edge

Implies a front or forward-moving position.

the sharpest point

Describes an acute or pointed end.

the highest peak

Refers to the top of something, often a mountain or similar structure.

the surface

Refers to the outside layer of an object.

the pinpoint

Highlights the preciseness of a very small area.

the threshold

Highlights the start of something or a limit.

the apex

Indicates the highest or culminating point.

FAQs

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

You can use "the very tip" to describe the extreme end of something, as in: "The lighthouse was located at "the very tip of the island"".

What are some alternatives to "the very tip"?

Alternatives include "the extreme end", "the farthest point", or "the uttermost edge", depending on the context.

Is "the very tip" formal or informal language?

"The very tip" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic or professional writing.

Can "the very tip" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "the very tip" can be used metaphorically to describe the beginning or initial stage of something, similar to "the tip of the iceberg", indicating that more lies beneath the surface.