violently

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "violently" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe physical force applied with great energy or force, often in a destructive or injurious manner. For example: "The tornado ripped through the town violently, destroying many homes and businesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The viewer comes to see what it means to act violently.

The Guardian - Film

When they feel humiliated, they often lash out aggressively or even violently".

The Guardian

By adding different ingredients to the base curry sauce, Indian chefs can make everything from mild kormas to violently hot phall curries in no time".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Several years ago her husband was violently killed, and although officials have acknowledged his death she is still fighting for a proper investigation to take place.

The Guardian

When George Galloway was violently assaulted – rather than simply yelled at and jostled – I did not make sweeping generalisations about the British right or uncritical supporters of the Israeli government.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hong Kong's former security chief Regina Ip said on Monday that the city government fears a "mini-Tiananmen" – presumably that the protests would be violently dispersed, perhaps by the Chinese military.

The Guardian

President Lukaschenko, whom critics have called Europe's last dictator, has repeatedly come under fire from international organisations including the United Nations for violently opposing any form of dissent.

The Guardian

Riley was tiny – five feet tall and weighing less than 100lb – and while she could be a caring, considerate mother, she was also prone to snap, sometimes violently, when drunk.

The Guardian

A 79-year old man was violently pushed and almost ended up on the railway tracks.

The Guardian

At this level, it's a poised graphic object, but its eccentric repertoire of figurative imagery – mythical monsters, dismembered limbs, bugs and gargoyles – and its frantic, deranged textual contents violently contradict its formal elegance.

The Guardian - Arts

When I was back in London during the summer, about 30 of my close and extended family commandeered the basement of Pizza Hut after visiting an art exhibition, and as we violently exchanged views across the table, while the young kids ran around it, I couldn't have been happier.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "violently" to emphasize the forceful or intense nature of an action, ensuring it aligns with the intended impact and tone of your writing. Consider the connotations, as it often suggests aggression or destruction.

Common error

Avoid using "violently" when a milder adverb would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound melodramatic or sensational, especially in contexts that don't warrant such strong emphasis. Consider alternatives like "strongly" or "forcefully" if the action isn't inherently aggressive.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "violently" primarily functions to modify verbs, emphasizing the manner in which an action is performed. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it describes actions carried out with great force, intensity, or aggression. Examples in Ludwig show its usage in contexts ranging from physical assaults to forceful opposition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

15%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Travel

5%

Arts

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverb "violently" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term to describe actions performed with great force or intensity. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to modify verbs, adding emphasis to the manner in which an action is carried out. It is most commonly found in news and media, lifestyle, and opinion writing. When using "violently", be mindful of its connotations, as it often implies aggression or destruction. Consider alternatives like "forcefully" or "intensely" when a milder emphasis is appropriate. Remember to avoid overuse and ensure that the strong emphasis aligns with your intended tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forcefully

Emphasizes the exertion of power or strength in an action.

brutally

Indicates a harsh or cruel manner of acting.

aggressively

Highlights the hostile or combative nature of the action.

fiercely

Indicates a strong and passionate intensity.

ferociously

Highlights the savage or fierce quality of an action.

savagely

Emphasizes the uncivilized or barbaric nature of the action.

intensely

Focuses on the high degree or strength of the action or feeling.

vehemently

Stresses the passionate or emphatic nature of the action or expression.

turbulently

Suggests a chaotic and uncontrolled manner.

sharply

Implies a sudden and intense manner.

FAQs

How can I use "violently" in a sentence?

"Violently" is typically used to describe an action performed with great force or intensity. For example, "The storm raged "violently", uprooting trees and damaging buildings".

What are some alternatives to using "violently"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "forcefully", "aggressively", or "intensely" instead of "violently".

Is it appropriate to use "violently" in formal writing?

While "violently" is grammatically correct, its strong connotations may not always be suitable for formal writing. Consider the specific context and choose a more neutral alternative if necessary. For example, use "strongly" or "forcefully".

What's the difference between "violently" and "forcefully"?

"Violently" often implies aggression or destruction, while "forcefully" simply suggests the use of power or strength. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.