very powerful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very powerful" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an adjective used to describe something that is strong and influential. For example, you could write, "Her speech was very powerful and moved the entire audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's very powerful".

The New York Times

Bartenders were very powerful.

The New York Times

"Fantasies are very powerful".

The New York Times

"It was very powerful.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's very powerful".

The New Yorker

It is very powerful".

The New York Times

This was very powerful.

The New Yorker

"That was very powerful".

The New York Times

Very powerful chorus.

Stanford University

And they're very powerful.

Cornell University

They're very powerful.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When modifying "powerful", be mindful of redundancy; avoid combining it with words that already imply high intensity, such as "extremely very powerful".

Common error

Avoid using "very powerful" as a crutch; replace it with more descriptive and specific adjectives to enhance the impact of your writing. For example, instead of "very powerful speech", consider "incendiary speech" or " galvanizing speech".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "very powerful" is to act as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, emphasizing the significant degree of force, influence, or effectiveness associated with that noun. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to describe various subjects, from speeches to machines.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very powerful" is a commonly used and grammatically correct adjective phrase that serves to emphasize the significant impact, influence, or strength of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted in written English. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse and consider more specific adjectives to enhance writing impact. The phrase frequently appears in News & Media and Academic contexts, indicating its widespread use in both formal and informal communication. While effective, consider alternatives to refine your descriptions and avoid redundancy. Always strive for clarity and precision in your writing by selecting the most fitting language to convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly influential

Emphasizes the capacity to affect character, development, or behavior of someone or something.

extremely potent

Highlights the effectiveness and strength of something, often in a chemical or abstract sense.

remarkably effective

Focuses on the degree to which something achieves a desired result.

exceptionally commanding

Implies an unusual degree of control or authority.

incredibly forceful

Highlights the intensity and vigor with which something is done or expressed.

extraordinarily compelling

Suggests an unusual ability to persuade or attract.

decisively impactful

Focuses on the significant and clear effect that something has.

unusually dominant

Indicates a higher than normal degree of control or prevalence.

eminently influential

Underscores the quality of being notably or particularly effective in shaping outcomes.

absolutely authoritative

Emphasizes the complete and unquestionable reliability and expertise.

FAQs

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

You can use "very powerful" to describe something that has a strong impact or influence. For example, "The engine is very powerful", or "The message was very powerful".

What are some alternatives to "very powerful"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "highly influential", "extremely potent", or "remarkably effective".

Is it redundant to use "very" with "powerful"?

While not strictly grammatically incorrect, using "very" with "powerful" can sometimes be seen as redundant. Consider using a stronger adjective that already implies intensity, or rephrasing the sentence for better clarity.

What's the difference between "very powerful" and "quite powerful"?

"Very powerful" suggests a higher degree of strength or influence compared to "quite powerful". "Quite powerful" implies a moderate level of power, while "very powerful" indicates a significant level.