the very words

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the very words' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is often used to emphasize the exact words spoken or written by someone else. For example, "He repeated her words back to her, the very words she had written in her letter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The very words are like a bell".

The Guardian - Books

The very words are marzipan to the tongue.

The New York Times - Books

The very words "cold steel" are enough to induce terror.

The Guardian - Film

The very words "national security" now mean something dramatically different.

The New York Times

Those were the very words Derrick used when asked later.

The New York Times

She happened upon the very words to match her feelings.

The Guardian - Opinion

His liberal base was allergic to the very words.

The New York Times

"At that time, the very words 'human rights' were forbidden".

The Guardian

Aye, that I will, so that she shall think the very words are thine.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The very words "What if?" have the power to spoil the most positive outlook.

Independent

Sometimes, the instructions go further, spelling out the very words detectives must say.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the very words" to emphasize the significance of specific language, especially when quoting or referring to a statement that carries particular weight or emotional impact.

Common error

Avoid using "the very words" in casual conversation or informal writing where a more straightforward expression would suffice. Overusing it can make your language sound overly formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the very words" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun, emphasizing the specificity and importance of the words being referenced. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

17%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the very words" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase that functions to emphasize the specific language being referenced. As noted by Ludwig AI, its prevalence across diverse sources confirms its acceptability and utility in various contexts. While versatile, it is best suited for scenarios where precision and highlighting particular terms or statements are desired. Overusing the phrase can make the style seem formal, so consider the context. The phrase appears frequently in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. Using alternatives like "the exact words" or "the precise wording" can provide variety while maintaining the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the exact words

Replaces "very" with "exact", emphasizing precision.

the precise wording

Substitutes "words" with "wording", focusing on the specific arrangement of words.

the specific terms

Replaces "words" with "terms", highlighting the technical or defined nature of the language.

the actual language

Emphasizes the authenticity and literal form of the expression.

the verbatim text

Focuses on a word-for-word reproduction, often in a legal or official context.

the identical phrasing

Highlights that the phrasing is exactly the same as something else.

the very language

Highlights emphasis on the type of language used.

the given expression

Implies that the expression was presented or provided in a certain way.

those exact words

Highlights the exactitude of the words

the selfsame words

Archaic phrasing emphasizing the sameness of words.

FAQs

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

Use "the very words" to highlight specific language that is significant. For example, "He used "those very words" to describe his feelings."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "the very words"?

Alternatives include "the exact words", "the precise wording", or "the specific terms" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "the very words" and "the actual words"?

"The very words" emphasizes the importance or impact of specific language, while "the actual words" simply refers to the authentic language used.

When is it appropriate to use "the very words" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "the very words" when you want to draw attention to specific language that is particularly meaningful, impactful, or relevant to your point. This is suitable in formal writing, speeches, and when analyzing texts.