this very person

USAGE SUMMARY

'this very person' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example, you could use it in the sentence, "This very person has been chosen to lead the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's almost impossible to describe the eeriness of washing and dressing a mute, immobile human being while looking at this very person in the photos on their wall.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

How ironic that Larry [Leva] would say this about the very person who didn't even bother using a mixer at all, since passing signal through its circuitry would degrade the sound.

Vice

No such world will ever exist, and the very persons painting this picture of utopian Laissez Faire to justify themselves are the perfect examples of why that world will never exist.

Huffington Post

"He's just this very brave person," the father said.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's like going into battle, transforming into this very feminine person.

Independent

The other side of this very private person was a sociable and convivial friend.

The Guardian - Books

People were shocked by this very gentle person, and immediately warmed to him.

The Guardian - Music

Givenchy recalled Audrey as "this very thin person with beautiful eyes, short hair, thick eyebrows, very tiny trousers, ballerina shoes and a little T-shirt.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I am acutely aware of all this and therefore try to shun gratuitous publicity". The other side of this very private person was a sociable and convivial friend.

The Guardian - Books

Though when this very English person gets chatting he's so verbose you sometimes have to grab yourself out of the conversation!

Independent

Well, this Very Important Person, he found himself in a bit of a jam about six months ago and came to me asking for advice.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this very person" to emphasize the specific individual you are referring to, especially when distinguishing them from others or highlighting their unique qualities or circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "this very person" excessively in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Simpler alternatives like "this person" or "that person" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this very person" functions as a determiner phrase modifying the noun "person". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English and serves to emphasize the particular individual being referenced.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

29%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this very person" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize a specific individual. While considered correct by Ludwig AI, it's relatively rare in usage. Its primary function is to single out someone, drawing attention to them in neutral to formal contexts such as news reporting and academic discussions. For alternatives, consider using phrases like "this particular individual" or "this specific person" to achieve a similar emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this particular individual

Replaces "very" with "particular" to emphasize specificity.

this specific person

Substitutes "very" with "specific", highlighting exactness.

this very individual

Replaces "person" with "individual", adding a touch of formality.

this same person

Emphasizes that it is the same person previously referred to.

this precise person

Emphasizes accuracy and lack of ambiguity.

the individual in question

Uses a more formal tone and emphasizes the person being discussed.

that very person

Changes "this" to "that", potentially indicating distance or prior reference.

the person mentioned

Focuses on the act of having been previously referenced.

the aforementioned person

Uses a more formal term to refer to someone already mentioned.

this identical person

Highlights the sameness or lack of change in the individual.

FAQs

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

You can use "this very person" to emphasize the individual you are talking about. For instance, "This very person is responsible for the success of the project".

What's a more formal alternative to "this very person"?

A more formal alternative would be "the aforementioned person" or "the individual in question".

When is it appropriate to use "this very person"?

It is appropriate when you want to highlight a specific individual, especially when there might be confusion or when their role is particularly significant. Avoid overusing it in informal contexts.

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

"This person" is a general reference, while "this very person" adds emphasis, highlighting the specific individual being discussed. The addition of "very" serves to intensify the focus on that particular individual.