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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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very about

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very about" is not correct and usable in written English.
It does not convey a clear meaning and is not a standard expression in English. Example: "I am very about the importance of teamwork." (This sentence is awkward and unclear.)

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Wayne is very about that".

"She's got such an innate sense of theatricality, and also she's very about story in her songs, so I think this is a real natural route for her," he added of her Broadway turn.

News & Media

The New York Times

They're very personal, very about me, and what I'm thinking.

News & Media

Huffington Post

Despite not wanting or planning to change birthplace overall 22.2%% of respondents rated themselves as 'happy +/− very' about the decision.

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

That I feel very strongly about, very clearly about.

News & Media

BBC

I'm very slow about some things.

VERY excited about her.

News & Media

The New York Times

Very perspicacious about politics.

Very poetic about debs.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Very happy about this.

News & Media

The Guardian

"Very briefly, about three years ago.

News & Media

The Guardian
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "very about". Instead, choose more precise and grammatically correct alternatives such as "deeply concerned about", "highly enthusiastic about", or "extremely passionate about" to convey your intended meaning effectively.

Common error

Don't assume that "very" can be directly followed by "about". This construction is grammatically incorrect. Always insert an appropriate adjective between "very" and "about" to ensure clarity and correctness.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

87%

Authority and reliability

1.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very about" functions incorrectly as it attempts to directly link an intensifier ("very") with a preposition ("about") without an intervening adjective. This violates standard English grammar rules. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase does not convey a clear meaning and is not a standard expression in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very about" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal and professional writing. Ludwig AI confirms that it lacks a clear meaning and is not a standard English expression. While it may appear in some online sources, particularly News & Media, it's crucial to opt for grammatically sound alternatives such as "deeply concerned about", "highly enthusiastic about", or "extremely passionate about". These alternatives provide clarity and precision in conveying the intended meaning. Ensure that you always include an appropriate adjective between "very" and "about" to maintain grammatical correctness and effective communication.

FAQs

How can I correctly use "very" with a preposition?

The word "very" usually modifies an adjective or adverb, not a preposition directly. So, instead of saying "very about", use "very" with an adjective followed by "about", such as "very concerned about", "very excited about", or "very particular about".

What's a good alternative to "very about" when expressing concern?

If you want to express concern, replace "very about" with phrases like "deeply concerned about" or "extremely worried about".

Is "very about" ever considered grammatically correct in any context?

No, "very about" is generally not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's advisable to use alternative phrasing to ensure clarity and accuracy.

Can I use "very about" in informal conversation?

While informal conversation allows for some flexibility, "very about" might still sound awkward or unclear. It's generally better to opt for more standard phrasing, even in informal settings. Consider using something like "really into" or "super passionate about" if you want to maintain a relaxed tone.

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Source & Trust

87%

Authority and reliability

1.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: