very well earned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very well earned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something has been deserved or merited, often in the context of recognition or reward. Example: "After years of hard work and dedication, her promotion was very well earned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

If I could but I can't, so I will rate a very well earned five stars!

The Guardian - Books

I'm delighted for everyone, it's a very well earned three points.

BBC

"If you get something you've worked for it tastes a lot better than if it was given to you, I certainly think those three points were very well earned," added Coleman, who brought in his long-time assistant boss Jimmy Bell as part of his backroom staff.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

She could very well earn her fourth Oscar nomination for her supporting turn.

The Guardian - Film

When I first took the job in April 2010 I did very well, earning a promotion at the end of my six-month probation period.

The Guardian - Money

Since that's an average, it means that you could very well earn more as your expertise progresses.

Forbes

Many of the major messes confronting us today - in corporate boardrooms and on Wall Street, in politics and even in churches - have been created by people who tested very well and earned high grades at prestigious institutions.

The Washington Post

The fans who do come are likely unaware that the concessionaires selling them hot dogs and peanuts may very well be earning more money than the players on the field.

The New Yorker

Top-rated research departments In a mixed RAE result from 2001, applied mathematics, European studies, Russian, Slavonic and East European languages and studies allied to medicine performed very well, each earning a 5 rating.

The Guardian

While Rupert Grint and Emma Watson bring depth, maturity and emotion to Harry's best friends and nearly constant companions -- Ron and Hermione, 'Deathly Hallows 2' is Harry's story and actor Daniel Radcliffe's movie, with a performance that very well may earn him some Oscar buzz.

Huffington Post

The evening routine of swim-beer-shower-dinner felt 10 times as good when it felt very well-earned.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very well earned" to emphasize that a particular achievement or recognition was not easily attained and is truly deserved. This adds weight and significance to the accomplishment.

Common error

Avoid using "well-earned" when you specifically want to emphasize the extent to which something was earned. "Well-earned" is acceptable, but "very well earned" amplifies the sense of deserving.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very well earned" functions as a compound adjective modifying a noun. It describes the degree to which something has been deserved or merited, emphasizing the effort or qualities that led to the deserved outcome. Ludwig confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very well earned" is a compound adjective that emphasizes how much something was deserved. Ludwig confirms that it functions to express strong approval or recognition, and, according to the data, this phrase appears most frequently in News & Media. While similar phrases like "thoroughly deserved" exist, "very well earned" distinctly amplifies the feeling that something was truly merited after significant effort. It is considered grammatically correct, though less frequently used, lending extra weight to deserving outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thoroughly deserved

Emphasizes the completeness of deserving something, differing slightly in its focus on the extent of the merit.

richly deserved

Highlights the abundance of reasons why something was deserved, shifting the emphasis to the magnitude of justification.

justly deserved

Focuses on the fairness and rightfulness of deserving something, adding a moral dimension to the merit.

well merited

Synonymous, but uses 'merited' instead of 'earned', suggesting a more formal tone.

fully justified

Shifts the focus to the justification behind the earning, emphasizing the reasons it was deserved.

fairly won

Emphasizes the aspect of winning or achieving something through fair means, changing the context slightly.

rightfully gained

Stresses the legitimacy of the gain or achievement, adding a layer of legal or moral right.

legitimately acquired

Focuses on the legitimacy and method of acquisition, shifting away from the deserving aspect.

earnestly achieved

Highlights the effort and sincerity involved in achieving something, adding an emotional tone.

honorably obtained

Emphasizes the honorable means through which something was obtained, adding a dimension of ethical conduct.

FAQs

What does "very well earned" mean?

The phrase "very well earned" means that something has been deserved to a great extent, usually through hard work, dedication, or significant effort. It emphasizes that the reward or recognition was not easily achieved.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "very well earned"?

It's appropriate to use "very well earned" when you want to emphasize that something was truly deserved and required significant effort or dedication. It adds weight to the deserving nature of the reward or recognition.

What can I say instead of "very well earned"?

You can use alternatives like "thoroughly deserved", "richly deserved", or "justly deserved" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "well-earned" and "very well earned"?

While both phrases indicate that something was deserved, "very well earned" adds more emphasis. "Very well earned" amplifies the sense of deserving, highlighting that the accomplishment was not only earned but also required significant effort or time.