very major

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'very major' is not correct or usable in written English.
You may use the word 'very' to modify an adjective, such as 'very important', or the word 'major', such as 'major issue'. For example, you could say "This is a very important major issue that needs to be addressed".

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Winning the Whitbread was a very major thing for me.

The Guardian - Books

"The series has made a very major impression.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"It's a very major thing for us," said Mr. Nimziki.

The New York Times

(Only kidding! He says it'll be "very, very major").

The Guardian - Opinion

"Now you have one very major company building one facility".

The New York Times

"He is a very, very major person to defect.

The Guardian

There were no very major or major errors noted.

International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents

It therefore takes something very, very major to get us out of it in the same way as it took something very major to get us into it".

The Guardian

I think that would be a very, very major way forward".

The Guardian

"If success is achieved here that will be a very important, a very major breakthrough".

The New York Times

"This is a very major problem in trying to save energy," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of using "very major", opt for more precise and impactful alternatives like "highly significant" or "extremely important" to enhance clarity and grammatical correctness in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "very" as a general intensifier before adjectives like "major". This weakens the impact of your writing. Choose stronger adjectives that inherently convey the intended degree of importance or significance without needing additional intensification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very major" functions as an adjective phrase intended to emphasize the significance of a noun. However, as Ludwig AI points out, its grammatical status is questionable, and stronger adjectives are often preferred for better clarity and impact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

19%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "very major" is frequently used across various domains, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples. Despite its common occurrence, Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as grammatically incorrect, recommending more precise alternatives for impactful writing. While "very major" attempts to emphasize significance, stronger adjectives like "highly significant" or "extremely important" offer enhanced clarity and grammatical correctness. In formal contexts, opting for more sophisticated vocabulary strengthens the writing's professionalism. Although widely used, substituting "very major" with more appropriate alternatives improves overall communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly significant

Emphasizes the importance or impact is substantial; replaces the weaker "major" with a stronger adjective.

extremely important

Focuses on the criticality of the subject; uses "important" for broader acceptance.

considerably important

Highlights that the topic at hand should be seriously considered; "considerably" stresses the extent of the importance.

remarkably significant

Implies something is notable or worthy of attention; adds an element of surprise or emphasis.

exceptionally crucial

Underscores that something is essential or critical; suggests indispensability.

notably important

Highlights the noteworthiness of the subject, making it stand out.

undeniably major

Stresses the indisputable nature of something being "major", though it retains the original term.

fundamentally critical

Indicates that something is integral and essential; suggests it forms the basis of something else.

genuinely significant

Emphasizes the authenticity and real impact of something, strengthening its perceived importance.

tremendously vital

Exaggerates the necessity of something, making it appear indispensable for success.

FAQs

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

Instead of "very major", consider using stronger and more precise alternatives such as "highly significant", "extremely important", or "considerably important". These options provide better clarity and impact.

Is it grammatically correct to use "very" with "major"?

While commonly used, the phrase "very major" is often considered grammatically weak. It's better to choose a single adjective that conveys the intended degree of importance, such as "significant", "crucial", or "essential".

How can I make my writing sound more professional when describing something important?

To enhance professionalism, avoid using the generic intensifier "very". Instead, opt for adjectives that inherently convey the level of importance you wish to express. For example, use "critical", "vital", or "paramount" instead of "very major".

What's the difference between "very major" and "major"?

The word "major" on its own already indicates something of considerable importance or significance. Adding "very" doesn't necessarily amplify the meaning effectively and can sound redundant. Using a different adjective like "significant" or "crucial" adds more impact.