very dense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very dense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a lot of mass or substance in a small volume, or to refer to complex ideas that are difficult to understand. Example: "The book was very dense, filled with intricate theories and concepts that required careful reading."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Books

Food

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's very dense, though.

The New York Times - Arts

It was a very dense population.

The New York Times

"These are very dense, thick issues".

The New York Times

He could be very dense about politics.

The New York Times - Books

It's very modern-sounding, very dense rhythmically".

The Guardian - Music

It was very, very dense work.

The Guardian - Books

"Is the flan creamy?" "No, it's very dense.

The New Yorker

Sometimes very dense, sometimes bewildering, it's never dull.

The Guardian - Music

These would be very heavy and very dense.

The New Yorker

It feels very dense but it's perfectly inoffensive.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Others look very good when they are very dense.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts like writing or arguments, use "very dense" to indicate a high level of detail or complexity that requires careful attention from the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "very dense" to describe a person's intelligence in casual conversation. While technically correct to describe someone slow to understand, it's often perceived as rude or insulting. Instead, opt for more sensitive phrases like "a bit slow on the uptake".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very dense" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It amplifies the quality of "dense", indicating a high degree of compactness, complexity, or concentration. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

25%

Books

9%

Less common in

Food

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "very dense" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that amplifies the quality of density. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is applicable across diverse contexts, ranging from scientific descriptions to everyday language. Usage analysis reveals its prevalence in News & Media and Science, indicating its broad applicability. While the phrase is generally neutral, care should be taken to avoid using it insensitively in personal contexts. Alternatives include "highly compact" and "extremely concentrated", providing options for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly compact

Replaces "dense" with "compact", emphasizing the tight packing of elements.

extremely concentrated

Focuses on the high concentration of elements within a given space or substance.

incredibly thick

Emphasizes physical thickness or complexity, suitable for describing materials or concepts.

remarkably solid

Highlights the solidity and lack of empty space.

intensely packed

Similar to "highly compact" but with a stronger emphasis on the act of packing.

exceptionally compressed

Suggests a force or process that has reduced the volume and increased density.

substantially impermeable

Focuses on the inability of substances to pass through due to density.

heavily populated

Applies specifically to areas with a high concentration of inhabitants.

profoundly complex

Used when referring to ideas or concepts that are difficult to understand due to their depth and intricacy.

densely woven

Suitable for describing materials with a tight and intricate structure.

FAQs

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

You can use "very dense" to describe something with a high mass-to-volume ratio, like "Neutron stars are "very dense"". It can also describe complex or detailed content, such as "The book was "very dense" and required careful reading".

What are some alternatives to saying "very dense"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "highly compact", "extremely concentrated", or "incredibly thick" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "very dense" to describe a person's intelligence?

While technically correct, using "very dense" to describe someone's intelligence can be perceived as offensive. It's best to avoid this usage and choose a more sensitive phrasing.

What does "very dense" mean when describing writing?

When describing writing, "very dense" means the text is packed with information, details, and complex ideas. This means the reading will likely require concentration and careful attention to understand.