very respectfully

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very respectfully" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in formal correspondence to convey a high level of respect towards the recipient. Example: "I am writing to you today to express my concerns about the recent changes in policy, and I do so very respectfully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Very respectfully yours, Chief of Police.

The New Yorker

They are signed "respectfully," "very respectfully" and "most respectfully".

The New York Times - Arts

We treat that very respectfully – it has to be a positive part of the relationship.

The Guardian - Tech

Whether you think they are ladies or not, treat them all very respectfully and nicely".

The Guardian - Music

I'll have to respectfully (very respectfully) disagree with Larry on this one".

The New York Times

The bands take what I do very seriously and very respectfully try to represent it.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

I don't want to be very arrogant, but respectfully, I say in tennis I did everything a human being can do: from player to coach to manager to organizer.

The New York Times - Sports

See MICK'S JAGUAR (GOOGLE IT) ON A WEDNESDAY NIGHT IN HOBOKEN THIS MOTHERFUCKING CHAINSAW We're sure people who use chainsaws in their professional lives treat them very responsibly and respectfully, as tools to perform a given task.

Vice

Note that informal phrases are the ones you would use when speaking to friends, family and children, whereas formal phrases would be used when speaking to anyone older than you or anyone that you don't know, such as strangers, teachers, parents of your friends and anyone else you'd wish to speak very politely and respectfully to.

WikiHow

Respectfully, the very people at the heart of their own club do not agree.

BBC

Rather than filing a summary judgment motion on December 5 that may be out of date the very next week, the government respectfully seeks this short three-day extension".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very respectfully" in formal correspondence or situations where you want to convey a high level of deference. For instance, when addressing superiors or individuals in positions of authority.

Common error

Avoid using "very respectfully" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound insincere or overly formal. Choose simpler expressions like "respectfully" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very respectfully" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to indicate the manner in which an action is performed. It shows how something is done, emphasizing the speaker's or writer's respect. Examples from Ludwig show it modifying verbs like 'discuss', 'treat', and 'disagree'.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very respectfully" is an adverbial phrase used to convey a high degree of deference and politeness, most commonly in formal contexts such as news media and business correspondence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage for expressing respect. While grammatically sound, it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding insincere. Alternatives like "with great respect" or "most respectfully" can be used depending on the nuance desired. The phrase is generally inappropriate for informal settings. The high frequency in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian indicates its acceptance in professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most respectfully

Similar in tone but implies a slightly higher degree of formality than "very respectfully".

with the utmost respect

Highlights the extreme level of respect, often used when disagreeing or correcting someone.

with great respect

Emphasizes the degree of respect being conveyed, implying deep admiration or deference.

with all due respect

Commonly used when disagreeing, signaling that disagreement is not intended to be disrespectful.

respectfully submitted

Typically used at the end of formal documents or reports to show deference.

humbly and respectfully

Adds an element of humility to the expression of respect.

in a respectful manner

Focuses on the way something is done, rather than just the attitude.

with deference

Indicates yielding to someone else's opinion or authority.

in respectful terms

Focuses on the language used, ensuring it is polite and considerate.

with high regard

Indicates a strong feeling of admiration and respect.

FAQs

How to use "very respectfully" in a sentence?

Use "very respectfully" to show deference in formal communication. For example, "I am writing to you "very respectfully" to request a meeting" or "The matter was handled "very respectfully" by all parties involved."

What can I say instead of "very respectfully"?

You can use alternatives such as "with great respect", "most respectfully", or "with all due respect" depending on the specific context and level of formality required.

When is it appropriate to use "very respectfully"?

It is appropriate to use "very respectfully" in formal settings, such as addressing superiors, government officials, or in formal written communication, where conveying a high level of respect is important. Avoid using it in casual or informal conversations.

What is the difference between "respectfully" and "very respectfully"?

"Respectfully" conveys basic politeness and deference. "Very respectfully" amplifies the level of respect being conveyed, indicating a higher degree of formality and deference. The choice depends on the context and the relationship with the recipient.