this very house

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this very house" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a specific house, often in a context where the speaker wants to highlight its significance or uniqueness. Example: "I remember the summer we spent in this very house, making memories that will last a lifetime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

In this very house.

The New Yorker

One of the most fascinating photographs on display in the museum shows Zelda, wearing dancer's garb, seated on her travel trunks in the sunporch of this very house.

Princeton University

Then there was Debra, a young woman with a sweet smile and 6-year-old son, who was hoping to live in this very house.

The New York Times - Travel

Outside the building a plaque recalls that it was in this very house where the founder of the Spanish socialist workers' party, Pablo Iglesias Posse, passed away.

The Guardian - Opinion

In 1915, shortly before Pancho Villa invaded New Mexico in the Battle of Columbus, the Mexican revolutionary general is believed to have met with American forces in this very house for what amounted to failed peace talks.

The Washington Post

And yet, as the story progresses, and we learn that, as a younger woman, Vera killed her disabled sister in this very house, and that these three people Vera, Sidney, and Vera's father collude in the lie that has kept Vera out of jail, we begin to understand the repressed meaning in those opening remarks.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

And then, rounding a corner, the very house we'd been dreaming of came into view.

The New York Times

A German tourist toppled out of this very family's old tree house a few years ago and died, the Korowai tell us.

Huffington Post

I'd built up this very nice house of cards, and when it all collapsed everything was like - oh, PAHH!

The Guardian

A smiling Pinochet, dressed in a smart blue suit and tie, told the former Conservative prime minister through a Spanish translator: "Lady Thatcher, it's an honour for me to be here in this very simple house.

The Guardian

"It's not just because he bought this very expensive house and may lose some sunlight on his back, it's that he's made movies in this neighborhood for years and years and years".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this very house" to emphasize the specific location and its importance in a narrative or discussion. It adds a sense of immediacy and personal connection to the place.

Common error

Avoid using "this very house" excessively in formal writing, as it can sound overly emphatic or dramatic. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "this specific house" or "the house in question" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this very house" functions as a demonstrative phrase, specifying a particular house. It's used to emphasize a specific location, often to highlight its importance or significance within a narrative. As Ludwig shows, it often appears in contexts where personal history or notable events are tied to the location.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this very house" is a demonstrative phrase used to emphasize a specific location, adding a sense of immediacy and personal connection. Ludwig confirms it's grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media and Academic contexts. While versatile, it should be used judiciously in formal writing to avoid sounding overly dramatic. Alternatives like "this specific house" or "the house in question" can offer a more neutral tone. As a final point, considering Ludwig's assessment, the phrase is a useful tool for drawing attention to a specific dwelling and highlighting its significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this identical house

Replaces "very" with "identical", emphasizing exact sameness.

this same house

Replaces "very" with "same", indicating the specific house in question.

this actual house

Replaces "very" with "actual", highlighting the reality and tangibility of the house.

this specific house

Replaces "very" with "specific", emphasizing that the house is being referred to particularly and not generally.

the very house itself

Adds "itself" for emphasis, but can sound redundant.

this precise house

Replaces "very" with "precise", indicating accuracy in identifying the house.

this particular house

Replaces "very" with "particular", specifying one house out of a group.

right here in this house

Adds a sense of immediacy and location.

the house in question

Shifts from demonstrative to a more formal, descriptive style.

the aforementioned house

A more formal alternative, referring to a house previously mentioned.

FAQs

How can I use "this very house" in a sentence?

Use "this very house" to emphasize the specific location you're referring to, often to highlight its significance in a story or situation. For example, "I grew up in "this very house", and it holds many memories".

What phrases are similar to "this very house"?

Alternatives include "this same house", "this identical house", or "this specific house". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "this very house" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "this very house" can sound somewhat emphatic or dramatic. In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "the house in question" or "the aforementioned house".

What's the difference between "this house" and "this very house"?

Adding "very" emphasizes the particular house being discussed. "This house" is a general reference, while "this very house" underscores its uniqueness or significance in the given context.