very discerning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very discerning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a keen ability to judge or distinguish between different things, often in terms of taste or quality. Example: "Her very discerning taste in art allows her to appreciate the subtle nuances in each piece."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I think we're all very aware of big brands, and we've become very discerning.

The Guardian

In the end it's been bad for Tony Blair's reputation, because it's not looked very discerning.

The Guardian

He described the benefactor as modest with a "very discerning eye and a passion".

The Guardian - Arts

Champion said: "He was very discerning – he wouldn't just put his name to anything.

The Guardian - Music

Even my Italian mate Orazio and his very discerning wife Zahra love it, and they have high standards.

Independent

The predominantly UK-focused, bottled beer menu is unusually extensive for a non-specialist pub, and also very discerning.

The Guardian - Travel

You, Elaine, said something very discerning along those lines after our first preview though I can't now remember what it was.

The New York Times

Consumers' demands for media are constantly changing and recent KPMG research shows us that the majority of consumers are very discerning when it comes to acquiring digital content.

The Guardian

But I suspect it would be a very discerning elementary or middle-school student — or a willfully perverse one — who would chose the old version over the Percy Jackson retelling.

The New Yorker

But the new orders cover the entire country, and given the current threat level, "commanders will be very discerning in the operations they approve or disapprove," Colonel Collins said.

The New York Times

While several companies are commercializing similar technology, Affectiva is unusual in that it is "entrenched in academia," el Kaliouby says: Years of data-gathering have "trained" the algorithms to be very discerning.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's ability to make fine distinctions or judgments, consider using "very discerning" to emphasize their refined taste or critical eye.

Common error

Avoid using "very discerning" in extremely casual or informal conversations. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or pretentious in everyday settings. Choose simpler alternatives like "picky" or "selective" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very discerning" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase, intensifying the adjective "discerning". It modifies a noun, indicating a high degree of discrimination or excellent taste. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples of its usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very discerning" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that conveys a high level of judgment and taste. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts. While appropriate for formal writing, it should be used judiciously in casual settings. Related phrases like "highly selective" or "extremely perceptive" offer nuanced alternatives. By avoiding overuse and understanding its connotations, writers can effectively leverage "very discerning" to enhance their expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly selective

Emphasizes the act of carefully choosing from a range of options, highlighting the selectiveness involved.

extremely perceptive

Focuses on the ability to understand and notice things that are not obvious to others.

particularly discriminating

Highlights the ability to recognize subtle differences and make fine distinctions.

quite selective

Suggests a considerable degree of choosiness, though perhaps not to the highest extent.

remarkably insightful

Stresses the depth of understanding and the ability to see beyond the surface.

exceptionally judicious

Underscores the quality of being wise and careful in making decisions.

incredibly astute

Focuses on sharpness of mind and the ability to quickly assess situations or people.

not easily pleased

Highlights the difficulty in satisfying someone's tastes or standards.

possessing keen judgment

Emphasizes the ability to make sound and accurate assessments.

with refined tastes

Suggests a developed appreciation for quality and aesthetics.

FAQs

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

You can use "very discerning" to describe someone or something that has excellent taste or judgment. For example, "She has a "very discerning" eye for art" or "The restaurant attracts a "very discerning" clientele".

What are some synonyms for "very discerning"?

Alternatives to "very discerning" include "highly selective", "extremely perceptive", or "particularly discriminating". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "very discerning" is perfectly appropriate for formal writing. It conveys a sense of sophistication and careful judgment, making it suitable for academic, business, or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "very discerning" and "very demanding"?

"Very discerning" implies having refined taste and making careful judgments, while "very demanding" suggests having high expectations and being difficult to please. Although related, they focus on different aspects: taste vs. expectations.