very thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the intensity or significance of a particular thought or idea. Example: "The very thought of losing my job fills me with anxiety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

The very thought is absurd.

The New Yorker

The very thought of it.

Independent

The very thought!

The New York Times - Sports

The very thought of it unmanned him.

The New Yorker

The very thought of this lumpy slurry was repulsive.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Norrington purrs at the very thought of it.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

It's emotional, original and very thought-provoking.

The Guardian

It's the perfect song and very thought-provoking.

Independent

"Look, it's a very thought-provoking piece," he said.

The New Yorker

"This was very thought-through," the official said.

The New York Times

"Most of my choices are my ultramodern and very thought-out," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very thought" to emphasize a strong emotional reaction or a significant consequence resulting from a particular idea or consideration.

Common error

While "very thought" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound less sophisticated. Consider using more precise or nuanced language in formal contexts to convey emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very thought" functions as a noun modifier, intensifying the noun "thought". It emphasizes the impact or significance of a particular idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "very thought" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to emphasize the impact or significance of an idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, it sees frequent use across various contexts. While prevalent in news and media, it also appears in scientific and informal settings, making it suitable for diverse writing styles. The phrase effectively conveys the strength of a feeling or reaction triggered by a particular thought, and related phrases such as "mere thought" or "the very idea" offer similar nuances for varied emphasis. While acceptable in most contexts, avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Ludwig’s examples provide a wide variety of context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mere thought

Focuses on the basic act of thinking about something, often implying surprise or disbelief.

the very idea

Emphasizes the concept itself, often expressing strong agreement or disagreement.

sheer thought

Highlights the simplicity and completeness of the thought.

bare thought

Emphasizes the fundamental or basic nature of the thought.

the thought alone

Focuses solely on the mental process as the cause of a particular feeling or reaction.

just the thought

Highlights the thought as the sole trigger for a particular feeling or reaction.

the simple thought

Emphasizes that the thought is uncomplicated.

the precise thought

Indicates the exact idea under consideration.

actual thought

Indicates that the phrase relates to the concrete thinking process.

the single thought

Implies the idea is unique or isolated.

FAQs

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

You can use "very thought" to emphasize a strong emotional reaction or a significant consequence resulting from a particular idea. For example, "The "very thought" of failing the exam made me anxious."

What can I say instead of "very thought"?

Alternatives include "mere thought", "the very idea", or "sheer thought" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "very thought" or "the very idea"?

The choice depends on the context. "Very thought" emphasizes the act of thinking itself, while "the very idea" emphasizes the concept or plan. For example, "The "very thought" of public speaking terrifies me" versus "The very idea of a trip to Hawaii excites me."

Is "very thought" formal or informal?

"Very thought" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's best to avoid overuse in highly formal writing.