very tired

USAGE SUMMARY

"very tired" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is a phrase that describes a state of being exhausted or lacking energy. Example: After a long day at work, I was very tired and couldn't wait to go to bed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

People are tired, very tired".

The New York Times

If very tired, have more energy and don't feel as tired.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Or very tired.

Independent

A very tired throwback.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm so very tired".

The New York Times

Very tired today.

The Guardian

She was just very tired.

The New Yorker

"And we were very tired".

The New York Times - Arts

I'm very tired right now.

The Guardian - Sport

Or a very tired chef.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I was feeling very tired.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's emotional state in fiction, combine "very tired" with sensory details to enhance the reader's experience. For instance, "She was very tired, her eyelids heavy, and the streetlights blurred into hazy halos."

Common error

Avoid using redundant adverbs with "very tired". Phrases like "extremely very tired" are grammatically incorrect and weaken the impact. Instead, consider stronger single-word alternatives such as "exhausted" or "drained".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very tired" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of fatigue or exhaustion. It indicates the intensity of the tiredness being experienced. Ludwig examples confirm its use in describing personal feelings and conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Science

12%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very tired" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a state of exhaustion. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. It functions primarily as an adjective phrase, often found in news and media contexts. When writing, avoid redundant adverbs and consider using more descriptive language to enhance your writing. The phrase is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings, making it a reliable choice for conveying tiredness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely fatigued

Emphasizes a higher degree of tiredness, suggesting a stronger level of exhaustion.

utterly exhausted

Highlights the complete depletion of energy, implying a total lack of strength.

completely drained

Focuses on the feeling of having no energy left, as if emptied of resources.

dog-tired

An informal idiom indicating extreme tiredness, often after physical exertion.

worn out

Suggests tiredness due to prolonged use or stress, implying a reduction in functionality.

beat

A slang term for being very tired, often used in informal contexts.

ready to drop

Implies a level of tiredness where one feels close to collapsing from exhaustion.

sleep-deprived

Specifically indicates tiredness resulting from a lack of sleep.

bone-weary

A more poetic expression indicating deep, pervasive tiredness affecting the entire body.

shattered

Implies a complete breakdown of energy, suggesting a state beyond simple tiredness.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "very tired"?

You can use alternatives like "extremely fatigued", "utterly exhausted", or "completely drained" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "very tired"?

Yes, "very tired" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.

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

You can use "very tired" to describe a state of exhaustion after physical or mental exertion. For example: "After the marathon, I was very tired" or "She felt very tired after studying for the exam all night".

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

"Tired" indicates a general state of fatigue, while "very tired" intensifies this feeling, suggesting a higher degree of exhaustion. Using "very" adds emphasis to the level of tiredness.