the very word

USAGE SUMMARY

"the very word" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used for emphasizing the importance of a word or to emphasize its strong meaning. For example: "The very word 'justice' has been used to spark revolutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The very word "S.S".

The New Yorker

The very word, milk.

The New York Times - Books

Is the very word too fancy?

Independent

The very word made her furious.

The New York Times

Consider the very word "stature".

The New York Times - Books

'Mutiny' was the very word he used.

The Guardian - Sport

The very word 'lifestyle' originated here.

The New York Times

The very word suggests temporariness, compromise.

The New York Times

The very word – they used that word.

The Guardian

The very word makes people shudder.

The New Yorker

''Meetings'': The very word is enervating.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the very word", ensure the subsequent explanation clarifies why that specific word is impactful or meaningful, enhancing the reader's understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "the very word" excessively, as it can lose its emphasis and become repetitive. Reserve it for situations where highlighting a specific term truly adds value to your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the very word" functions as a noun phrase used to introduce and emphasize a particular word. Ludwig AI indicates that this construction is grammatically correct and widely used. It serves to draw the reader's or listener's attention to the specific term being discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "the very word" is a powerful tool for emphasizing the importance and impact of specific terminology. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in News & Media. By using "the very word", writers and speakers can draw attention to the connotations, origins, or effects associated with a chosen term, inviting deeper analysis and reflection. To avoid overuse, it is best to reserve this phrase for situations where the selection of a specific word genuinely enhances the overall message. Alternative phrases, such as "the mere mention" or "that precise word", can offer subtle variations in emphasis and prevent repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that precise word

Focuses on the exact wording used, often implying a deliberate choice.

that single word

Emphasizes the power or importance of just one word.

the mere mention

Emphasizes the act of mentioning something, rather than the word itself.

the specific term

Highlights the precision or specificity of the word.

the actual term

Focuses on the reality or correctness of the term being used.

the phrase itself

Emphasizes that the expression is what matters in the current context.

the very notion

Shifts the emphasis to the idea or concept, often with a negative connotation.

the concept alone

Focuses on the idea or concept behind the word, rather than the word itself.

the essence of the word

Stresses the core meaning or fundamental nature of the term.

the substance of the word

Highlights the intrinsic value and implication of the chosen word.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "the very word" in a sentence?

Use "the very word" to emphasize the impact or significance of a particular term. For example, "The very word 'freedom' evokes strong emotions" highlights the emotional weight associated with that word.

What are some alternatives to using "the very word"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the mere mention", "the actual term", or "that precise word", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the grammatical function of "the very word"?

"The very word" typically functions as a noun phrase that introduces a term to be emphasized or analyzed.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "the very word"?

It is appropriate in contexts where you want to draw attention to the specific choice of a word and its implications, often in discussions, analyses, or arguments where word choice is critical.