very

USAGE SUMMARY

The word “very” is correct and usable in written English.
“Very” can be used to describe a wide range of qualities and intensities. For example, “She was very excited about the outcome of the competition.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"East Coast is particularly sorry, too, for the inconvenience to its customers as a result on what we know is an already very busy travel day immediately following the Christmas break.

The Guardian - Business

It's very dangerous.

The New York Times

We are very aware of the impact it will have on those involved and we are doing all we can to provide our support to those injured and their families.

The Guardian

He's very sweet, polite, hard-working, kind and generally lovely.

The Guardian - Opinion

"He was very happy.

The Guardian

"It is very simple.

The New York Times - Books

It was very scary.

The New York Times

"Tickets are valid on all other routes into London and Southern passengers are advised to avoid travelling through Clapham Junction, which is very busy.

The Guardian

We must show them that there are other ways to express disagreement, that their right to do so is dependent on the very freedoms that extremists seek to destroy.

The Guardian

We work very hard and I am just pleased our vote held up.

The Guardian

"Protesters were shouting and screaming at a very high volume.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of relying heavily on "very", use stronger adjectives or adverbs that inherently convey the intended intensity. For instance, replace "very good" with "excellent" or "very bad" with "awful".

Common error

Avoid using "very" simply as a default intensifier. It often weakens your writing. Seek more descriptive and impactful words to express the intended degree or quality.

Linguistic Context

The primary function of "very" is to intensify adjectives and adverbs, increasing the degree of the quality they describe. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a common intensifier used to modify other words, adding emphasis to their meaning. For example, "very happy" means more than just "happy".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very" is a grammatically sound and exceptionally common adverb used to intensify adjectives and adverbs. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's important to use "very" judiciously, as overuse can dilute the impact of your writing. As shown in the provided examples, "very" is prevalent in news and media, and business contexts. For more sophisticated writing, consider stronger, more descriptive alternatives such as "extremely" or "highly". By being mindful of its use, you can enhance the clarity and power of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Extremely

Indicates a high degree, similar to "very", but can sometimes carry a stronger emphasis.

Highly

Often used with specific adjectives, suggesting a superior level or quality.

Incredibly

Emphasizes the surprising or unbelievable nature of something.

Exceedingly

A more formal alternative, implying a degree that surpasses expectations.

Remarkably

Highlights the noteworthy or exceptional quality of something.

Particularly

Singles out a specific instance or aspect for emphasis.

Intensely

Conveys a strong or concentrated degree of feeling or sensation.

Significantly

Indicates a noticeable or important effect or degree.

Notably

Similar to significantly, but often used to draw attention to a specific detail.

Decidedly

Implies a clear and unmistakable quality or degree.

FAQs

How can I avoid overusing "very" in my writing?

Try replacing "very" + adjective with a single, stronger adjective. For example, instead of "very happy", use "ecstatic", or instead of "very sad", use "despondent".

What are some alternatives to "very" for emphasis?

Consider using adverbs like "extremely", "highly", or "incredibly" to add more nuance to your descriptions.

Is it grammatically incorrect to use "very"?

No, "very" is grammatically correct. However, overuse can weaken your writing. Strive for more precise and impactful language.

When is it appropriate to use "very"?

"Very" is appropriate when you need a simple intensifier and a stronger word doesn't quite fit the context or desired tone. Use it sparingly to maintain the impact of your writing.