to be really

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be really" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the degree or intensity of a quality or state, often in informal contexts. Example: "I want to be really sure that I understand the instructions before proceeding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To be really comfortable?

The New York Times - Sports

Want to be really helpful?

The New York Times

Suppose to be really hot.

Independent

It used to be really lively.

The New York Times

I used to be really religious.

The New Yorker

"They wanted to be really scared".

The New York Times

The meat has to be really tender.

The New York Times - Science

He's going to be really good.

The New York Times

"It is going to be really painful".

The New York Times

"But they have to be really serious".

The New York Times

"You have to be really prepared.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be really", ensure that the adverb 'really' appropriately modifies the adjective or verb that follows. Avoid overuse, as it can weaken the impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "to be really" excessively in formal writing. While it's acceptable in informal contexts, overusing it can make your writing sound less sophisticated. Opt for more precise and varied adverbs to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be really" functions as an intensifier, modifying the adjective or verb that follows. It serves to strengthen the degree or extent of a particular quality or action. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

35%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be really" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the degree or intensity of a quality or state. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is most commonly found in news and media but also appears in formal business and scientific contexts. While generally informal, its versatility makes it a useful phrase in many situations. Alternatives such as "to be truly" or "to be genuinely" can provide a more formal tone when needed. Remember to use "to be really" judiciously to maintain the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be truly

Replaces "really" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing sincerity.

to be genuinely

Similar to 'truly', it suggests authenticity and sincerity in the state being described.

to be sincerely

Emphasizes the honesty and depth of feeling associated with the state.

to be seriously

Indicates a grave or important aspect of the state being described.

to actually be

Focuses on the reality or truth of a situation, often used to express surprise or disbelief.

to legitimately be

Adds an element of legality or justification to the state.

to effectively be

Highlights the practical result or consequence of a state.

to virtually be

Indicates a near or almost complete state, without being fully realized.

to substantially be

Indicates a significant or considerable aspect of the state being described.

to essentially be

Highlights the fundamental or core aspect of the state.

FAQs

How can I use "to be really" in a sentence?

You can use "to be really" to emphasize an adjective or verb, such as, "I want to "to be really" careful with this project" or "It's important "to be really" honest with yourself".

What are some alternatives to "to be really"?

Alternatives include "to be truly", "to be genuinely", or "to be sincerely", which offer similar emphasis with slightly different connotations.

Is it always appropriate to use "to be really" in writing?

While "to be really" is grammatically correct, it is often more suited for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise or sophisticated adverbs to convey emphasis.

Which is more formal, "to be really" or "to be truly"?

To be truly is generally considered more formal than "to be really". The choice depends on the tone and audience of your writing.