very recent

USAGE SUMMARY

"very recent" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to emphasize that something happened recently. For example: "The study was conducted very recently, so the results are highly relevant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Very Recent History, by Choire Sicha (Harper).

The New Yorker

This is really very recent.

The Guardian - Books

Both are true, albeit very recent.

The Guardian - Books

"This is a very recent tradition," Mr. Cuomo said.

The New York Times

A very recent discovery is the lesser horseshoe bat.

Independent

So here's some very, very, very recent history.

The Guardian

It is the very recent that gives him trouble.

The New York Times

He was still recovering from a very recent hernia operation.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

WILLAERT -- So it is, first of all, very recent.

The New York Times

Louise Ellman: "Yeah, well, it is very recent.

The Guardian

In the very recent past, this was done badly.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very recent" to distinguish between events that happened in the near past versus those that occurred further back.

Common error

Avoid using "very recent" multiple times in the same paragraph or section. This can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "recent", "new", or "just occurred" to maintain clarity and engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very recent" functions as a pre-modifying adjective, intensifying the adjective "recent". It describes a noun by indicating that it is something that happened or came into being in the immediate past. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very recent" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective phrase to emphasize the immediacy of an event or discovery, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most commonly found in news and media and scientific contexts, indicating its versatility. While being highly effective, overuse should be avoided by incorporating synonyms such as "just occurred" or "newly established". The phrase functions primarily to highlight timeliness and relevance, making it a valuable tool for clear and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just occurred

Highlights the immediacy and abruptness of the event.

immediate past

Specifies that it happened in the most recent period before the present.

highly contemporary

Implies being extremely up-to-date or current, focusing on its relevance to the present.

up to the minute

Indicates the information is as current as possible, updated very recently.

lately arisen

Indicates something that has emerged or come into existence recently, perhaps unexpectedly.

brand new

Suggests something is unused and in perfect condition, highlighting its newness.

just out

Describes something that has been released or made available very recently.

newly established

Focuses on the creation or founding of something very recently.

new on the scene

Emphasizes the novelty and recent arrival of something in a particular context.

freshly minted

Suggests something newly created or produced, emphasizing its pristine and untouched nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "very recent" to describe events, discoveries, or changes that have happened in the immediate past. For example: "The "very recent discovery" of a new species has excited biologists."

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

"Recent" describes something that happened not long ago, while "very recent" emphasizes that it happened in the immediate past, highlighting its timeliness or novelty. "Very recent" adds a stronger sense of immediacy than just "recent".

What can I say instead of "very recent"?

You can use alternatives like "just occurred", "newly established", or "brand new" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "very recent history"?

Yes, it's correct. "Very recent history" refers to events that happened in the immediate past, distinguishing them from older historical events. It's often used to emphasize the relevance or impact of these events on the present.