very best

USAGE SUMMARY

"very best" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is superior or excellent. For example, "I wish you the very best in your future endeavors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The very best thing?

The New Yorker

One of the very best.

Independent

The very best.

The Guardian

Very best wishes.

The New Yorker

"My very best wishes".

The New York Times

The very, very best.

The Guardian - Music

The very best place?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I wish him all the very best".

Independent

"He's the very best," Coe said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Very Best Of Jim Reeves.

BBC

The Very Best Of Showaddywaddy.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very best" to emphasize a high degree of quality, effort, or sincerity. It's suitable for situations where you want to express something is truly exceptional.

Common error

While "very best" is acceptable, overuse can diminish its impact. In formal writing, consider stronger synonyms like "optimal", "premier", or "superior" for a more refined tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very best" functions primarily as an intensifier modifying a noun. It elevates the noun's quality, effort, or sentiment to the highest degree. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable and frequently used in English writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

9%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very best" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to emphasize superlative quality, express sincere wishes, or highlight exceptional effort. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread applicability in English. While versatile, it's important to use "very best" judiciously and consider more precise synonyms in formal contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Formal & Business communications, this phrase serves to intensify meaning and convey strong sentiment effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

best of the best

Alternative which has more emphasis by repeating "best".

absolute best

Emphasizes the completeness of the quality without adding extra degree.

finest quality

Highlights the superior grade or standard of something.

highest standard

Focuses on the level of excellence achieved.

most excellent

Uses a more formal tone to describe something outstanding.

top-notch

Suggests that something is of premium quality.

utterly superior

Implies a complete and undeniable advantage in quality.

prime example

Highlights the quality of being a representative of its class.

leading light

More metaphorical alternative emphasizing the prominence of a person.

cream of the crop

Informal and idiomatic, indicating the best among many.

FAQs

How can I use "very best" in a sentence?

You can use "very best" to describe something of the highest quality or to express sincere wishes, such as "I wish you the "very best" in your new job" or "This is the "very best" chocolate I've ever tasted."

What are some alternatives to saying "very best"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "absolute best", "finest quality", or "highest standard".

Is it redundant to say "very best of the best"?

While "very best" already implies top quality, "best of the best" can be used for emphasis, though it might sound informal. In more formal contexts, consider "finest quality" or "highest caliber".

When is it appropriate to use "very best" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the superior quality of something or express sincere wishes. However, avoid overuse, especially in formal writing, where more precise synonyms might be more effective.