very precious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very precious" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe something or someone that is of great value, whether that be emotional, monetary, or otherwise. For example, "My grandmother's ring is very precious to me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"They're very precious," he said.

The New York Times

"They're very precious to him".

The New Yorker

"It becomes very precious".

The New Yorker

Sundays have become "very precious".

The Guardian

This life is very precious.

The New York Times

Very precious and strong-minded".

The Guardian - Music

Their time is very precious.

The New York Times

Time is very precious for the people.

The New York Times

Our marriage is very precious to me.

The New Yorker

"But it's very precious, very tenuous.

The New Yorker

The net is a very precious thing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "very precious" with specific nouns to highlight what exactly makes something valuable, such as "very precious memories" or "very precious time".

Common error

While "very precious" is correct, overuse of "very" can weaken your writing. Consider stronger synonyms like "invaluable" or "cherished" for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very precious" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate something is highly valued or cherished. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Unknown

7%

Reference

4%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very precious" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that emphasizes the high value or importance of something. According to Ludwig, this phrase is indeed correct. While it is versatile, consider stronger synonyms like "invaluable" or "cherished" depending on the context to enhance impact. The phrase is commonly found in news and media, scientific writing, and formal business communications. The high expert rating and frequent usage across authoritative sources confirm its reliability and appropriateness in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incredibly dear

Indicates a strong sense of affection and personal importance.

irreplaceably loved

Highlights the impossibility of finding a substitute for something that is cherished.

deeply cherished

Focuses on the emotional connection and care associated with the object or person.

exceptionally treasured

Emphasizes the act of holding something in high regard and protecting it.

highly valued

Emphasizes the level of appreciation and worth assigned to something.

remarkably important

Focuses on the significance and impact of something.

extremely valuable

Highlights the significant worth, whether monetary or sentimental.

greatly esteemed

Highlights the respect and admiration associated with the object or person.

singularly significant

Emphasizes the unique and irreplaceable nature of the object or person.

utterly priceless

Stresses that something is beyond monetary value, often due to its uniqueness or sentimentality.

FAQs

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

You can use "very precious" to describe something of great value, either material or sentimental. For example, "This antique watch is a "very precious" family heirloom" or "Our time together is "very precious" to me".

What can I say instead of "very precious"?

You can use alternatives like "invaluable", "cherished", or "treasured" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "very precious"?

While "precious" already implies high value, adding "very" simply intensifies the adjective. It's not necessarily redundant but consider if a stronger synonym might be more impactful. Using alternatives like "extremely valuable" could provide a better impact.

What's the difference between "very precious" and "priceless"?

"Very precious" indicates high value, either material or sentimental, while "priceless" suggests something is so valuable that it cannot be assigned a monetary value. You can use phrases like "utterly priceless" for that matter.