very carefully

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very carefully" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that is done with great attention to detail or caution. Example: "She handled the fragile vase very carefully to avoid breaking it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Very carefully.

The Economist

"They go very carefully.

The New York Times

"Very carefully," Manuel said.

The New York Times - Sports

I tread very carefully".

The New York Times

He listens very carefully.

The New York Times - Magazine

No! Listen very carefully.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

O.K., very carefully.

The New York Times

Look very carefully.

The Guardian

Study the market very carefully.

The New York Times

I use time very carefully.

The New York Times

You watch her, very carefully".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or instruction, use "very carefully" to emphasize the need for precision and accuracy. This is especially useful in technical or safety-related contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "very carefully" excessively in casual or informal contexts. Overuse can make your writing sound overly formal or unnatural. Consider using simpler alternatives like "carefully" or "cautiously".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very carefully" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to express how an action is performed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard and usable part of English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

38%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverbial phrase "very carefully" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to denote heightened caution and attention to detail. As demonstrated by numerous examples sourced by Ludwig, it's particularly common in news, media and how-to guides where precision is key. While versatile, avoid overuse in informal writing to maintain a natural tone. Replace it with "with great caution", "extremely cautiously", or similar phrases when appropriate. Ludwig AI analysis shows that its a well accepted and very versatile way to express yourself.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with great caution

Emphasizes the cautious nature of the action.

extremely cautiously

Highlights the high degree of caution involved.

in a meticulous manner

Focuses on the thoroughness and precision of the action.

with utmost care

Stresses the importance of the care taken.

with great attention to detail

Underscores the detailed approach.

in a circumspect way

Indicates prudence and awareness of potential consequences.

taking exceptional precautions

Highlights the preventative measures taken.

with deliberate precision

Emphasizes the intentional and accurate nature of the action.

handling with kid gloves

Suggests a delicate and protective approach.

walking on eggshells

Implies a sensitive or risky situation where mistakes are easily made.

FAQs

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

You can use "very carefully" to describe an action that requires a high degree of attention and caution, such as "She opened the antique box "very carefully" to avoid damaging its contents."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "very carefully"?

Some alternatives to "very carefully" include "with great caution", "extremely cautiously", or "with utmost care". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "very carefully"? Should I just say "carefully"?

While "carefully" implies attention, adding "very" emphasizes a greater degree of caution or precision. Whether it's redundant depends on the context and the level of emphasis you want to convey. If the situation demands significant caution, "very carefully" is appropriate; otherwise, "carefully" may suffice.

When is it most appropriate to use the phrase "very carefully"?

The phrase "very carefully" is most appropriate when describing actions that could have negative consequences if not performed with precision, such as handling fragile objects, navigating complex situations, or following critical instructions. In less sensitive contexts, simpler alternatives might be more suitable.