very efficient

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "very efficient" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe something that produces desired outcomes with minimal effort or waste. For example, "This new program is very efficient; it has reduced our costs by 10% in just two weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're very efficient.

The New York Times

That's very efficient.

The New York Times - Sports

It's very efficient".

The New York Times

They're being very efficient".

The New York Times

"I'm very efficient.

The New Yorker

Also, be very efficient.

The New York Times

Job done, very efficient".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It's all very efficient.

The Guardian - Sport

He's very efficient".

The New York Times - Sports

It is very efficient".

The New York Times - Magazine

"They're all very, very efficient.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a system or process, quantify the efficiency gains whenever possible. For example, instead of saying "the new system is very efficient", say "the new system is 30% more efficient, reducing processing time by 15 minutes per transaction".

Common error

Avoid using "very efficient" as a generic compliment. Instead, explain why something is efficient. What resources are saved? How is the output improved?

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very efficient" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It indicates a high degree of effectiveness and economy in the use of resources. Ludwig demonstrates frequent usage in describing various entities, from systems to individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very efficient" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe something that achieves maximum productivity with minimal wasted effort or expense. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business. While acceptable in most situations, writers should strive for specificity by quantifying efficiency gains or using more descriptive alternatives like "highly effective" or "extremely productive". Ultimately, clarity and context are key to using "very efficient" effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly effective

Emphasizes the effectiveness of the subject, rather than its resource use.

extremely productive

Focuses on the amount of output achieved.

remarkably streamlined

Highlights the smooth and optimized nature of a process or system.

exceptionally economical

Stresses the frugality and cost-effectiveness.

incredibly time-saving

Concentrates on the reduction of time taken for a task.

supremely well-organized

Highlights the superior level of organization.

perfectly optimized

Emphasizes the state of being fully optimized for performance.

thoroughly resourceful

Focuses on the ability to find clever ways to overcome difficulties.

adept at optimization

Highlights the skill or ability to optimize processes or systems.

skillfully effective

Combines the concepts of skill and effectiveness.

FAQs

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

You can use "very efficient" to describe a process, system, or person that achieves maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense. For example, "The new software update makes the workflow "very efficient"".

What are some synonyms for "very efficient"?

Alternatives to "very efficient" include "highly effective", "extremely productive", and "remarkably streamlined", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "very efficient" and "highly efficient"?

The terms "very efficient" and "highly efficient" are largely interchangeable. Both indicate a high degree of efficiency, with "highly efficient" perhaps suggesting a slightly more formal or technical context.

When is it better to use a more specific term than "very efficient"?

If you can specify what makes something efficient (e.g., time, cost, energy), using a more specific adjective like "time-saving", "cost-effective", or "energy-efficient" can provide a clearer and more impactful description.