very much alive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very much alive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that someone or something is still living or active, often in contrast to the idea that they might be dead or inactive. Example: "Despite the rumors, the old tradition is very much alive in our community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

No. He's very much alive.

The New Yorker

It's still very much alive".

The New York Times - Sports

It is very much alive.

The New York Times - Travel

Bones was very much alive.

The New York Times

I'm very much alive.

The Guardian - Books

He's very much alive".

The New York Times

But very much alive.

The Guardian

"I felt very much alive again".

The New York Times

Ah, these hills are very much alive.

The New York Times - Travel

But the topic is very much alive.

The New York Times

"Classical music is very, very much alive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very much alive" to emphasize the continued existence or relevance of something, especially when there might be an assumption or expectation that it is no longer present or active. For example, "Despite the changes in technology, the art of handwritten letters is still very much alive."

Common error

While "very much alive" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "still thriving" or "actively present" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very much alive" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. It serves to emphasize the continued existence, activity, or relevance of the subject. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is widely used, confirming its established place in the English language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "very much alive" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the continued existence or activity of someone or something. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is widely employed across various contexts, primarily in news and media. While its register is generally neutral, more formal situations might warrant the use of synonyms like "still thriving" or "actively present". To ensure effective writing, it's best to use "very much alive" when you want to counter potential assumptions of inactivity or obsolescence, while avoiding overuse in highly formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

still existing

Emphasizes the continuation of existence without necessarily implying vitality or activity.

retaining vitality

Stresses the energetic and vigorous quality of something that persists.

enduring strongly

Emphasizes resilience and persistence in the face of challenges.

continuing to thrive

Highlights growth and prosperity in addition to mere survival.

remaining potent

Implies that something not only exists but also retains its power or effectiveness.

actively present

Highlights ongoing involvement or influence rather than just being alive.

existing dynamically

Highlights that the existence is characterized by change, activity or progress.

unfaded

Suggests that something has not lost its original vibrancy or intensity over time.

in full swing

Focuses on the active and dynamic state of something, rather than its existence.

still kicking

An informal way to say something is still active or functioning, often used humorously.

FAQs

How can I use "very much alive" in a sentence?

You can use "very much alive" to emphasize that someone or something is still living, active, or relevant. For example, "Despite rumors to the contrary, the tradition of storytelling is "very much alive" in our community."

What are some alternatives to "very much alive"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "still thriving", "actively present", or "continuing to thrive".

Is it appropriate to use "very much alive" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the formality of your writing. In highly formal contexts, more sophisticated alternatives like "actively present" or "retaining vitality" might be more suitable.

What does it mean when someone says something is "very much alive"?

It means that the thing in question is not only existing but also active, relevant, and impactful. It emphasizes that it's not something that has faded away or become obsolete.