very dear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very dear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express feelings of fondness or attachment towards someone. For example: "My grandmother was very dear to me and we shared a special bond."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was very dear.

The New York Times

It's very dear to me.

The New York Times

DOPPELT--Stanley.Our very dear friend.

The New York Times

That cost me very dear.

The Guardian - Sport

He's very dear to me.

The Guardian - Music

Carole was a very dear friend.

The New York Times

Numbers are clearly very dear to Morey.

The New York Times - Sports

He was a very dear friend.

The Guardian

The characters are very dear and complex.

The New York Times

You know, from a very dear friend.

The Guardian - Books

It was very dear to his heart".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very dear" to express deep affection or sentimental value for people, places, or things that hold special significance in your life or narratives.

Common error

Avoid using "very dear" in highly formal or professional writing where a more neutral or objective tone is required. Opt for alternatives like "highly valued" or "significant" to maintain professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very dear" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun. It typically describes someone or something that is deeply loved, valued, or cherished. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very dear" is a common and grammatically sound way to express deep affection or value. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and it frequently appears in News & Media contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for expressing personal sentiments and should be used judiciously in highly formal writing. Consider alternatives like "deeply cherished" or "highly valued" depending on the desired nuance and level of formality. Remember that "very dear" highlights emotional connection, while alternatives may emphasize other aspects, such as monetary or irreplaceable value. The phrase's presence in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its acceptance and widespread use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

special and beloved

Combines the ideas of being unique and deeply loved.

near and dear

Indicates a close emotional connection and personal importance.

greatly loved

Highlights the intense affection felt.

extremely precious

Stresses the rarity and significance that makes something special.

close to one's heart

Emphasizes the personal and emotional significance of something.

deeply cherished

Emphasizes the emotional value and how fondly something or someone is regarded.

greatly admired

Highlights the positive feelings and respect towards someone.

highly valued

Focuses on the importance and worth attributed to something or someone.

held in high regard

Focuses on the respect and admiration someone receives.

personally significant

Indicates importance from an individual perspective.

FAQs

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

You can use "very dear" to describe someone or something that is deeply loved or valued, such as, "She is a "very dear" friend to me", or "This memory is "very dear" to my heart."

What are some alternatives to saying "very dear"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "deeply cherished", "highly valued", or "greatly loved" instead of "very dear".

Is it appropriate to use "very dear" in formal writing?

While "very dear" is grammatically correct, it may be too informal for certain formal contexts. In those cases, consider using more professional alternatives like "highly valued" or "personally significant".

What's the difference between "very dear" and "extremely precious"?

"Very dear" implies a strong emotional attachment or affection, whereas "extremely precious" emphasizes rarity and irreplaceability. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the emotional connection or the unique value.