Whilst it might seem like a good idea to use ‘very’ to strengthen your point, it invariably does not.
Whilst it might seem like a good idea to use ‘very’ to strengthen your point, it invariably does not. In fact, it makes your point weaker. It’s the most common sign of mediocre writing and says almost immediately to the reader that you have poor vocabulary. Whilst it’s not wrong to use ‘very’ to modify the meaning of a verb, adjective or other adverb, it just doesn’t cut the mustard. For example, ‘My desk is immaculate.’ sounds a lot better than ‘My desk is very neat’.
It’s not just ‘very’ though, any adverb that is used to tell the extent of something will weaken your writing. Other examples include ‘Too’, ‘Quite’ and ‘Rather’. Using ‘very’ or any of the other adverbs is a lot easier than actually expanding your vocabulary, but you’ll not become a better writer.
Unfortunately, the only way to remedy your chronic usage of ‘very’ it to improve your vocabulary.
How can I improve my vocabulary?
Improving your vocabulary is no easy feat, but the easiest way to start is by reading. Plain and simple, reading other writers explain things, tell stories and impart knowledge will help and inspire you to do the same. If you come across words that you don’t know the meaning of, look them up and write three sentences with the word in it. This will help you remember, understand and contextualize the word.
If reading doesn’t appeal to you, try Outwrite’s Thesaurus feature. Just highlight a word, and we’ll find stronger alternatives based on the context of your sentence.
Cheat sheet:
If you need some quick pointers for replacing ‘very’ check this out:
| Avoid | Use instead: | Avoid | Use instead: |
| very scared | terrified | very quiet | silent |
| very neat/tidy | immaculate | very fragile | delicate |
| very big/large | humongous/immense | very fast | brisk/quick |
| very good | outstanding/superb | very tired | exhausted |
| very small | miniscule | very cold | freezing |
| very bad | atrocious | very slow | sluggish |
| very nice | charming | very smart | intelligent |
If you’re like most people, you probably use the word “very” all the time. It’s a common intensifier that we often use to emphasize our point. However, using “very” is actually a bad idea. Here’s why you should never use the word “very”:
1. It’s Overused
The word “very” is one of the most overused words in the English language. In fact, it’s so overused that it’s become somewhat meaningless. When everything is “very” something, nothing is. If you want to make your writing more effective, cut out all the “very”s.
2. It’s a Weasel Word
Weasel words are words that don’t add anything to your writing. They’re just there to take up space. “Very” is definitely a weasel word. In most cases, you can just remove it from your sentence and it won’t make any difference.
3. It’s Vague
The word “very” is vague and doesn’t add any specific meaning to your writing. If you want to be more specific, you need to use more specific words. For example, instead of saying “I’m very tired,” you could say “I’m exhausted.”
4. It’s Unnecessary
In most cases, the word “very” is completely unnecessary. It doesn’t add anything to your sentence and can usually be removed without changing the meaning. If you can remove it and your sentence still makes sense, then do it.
5. It’s a Crutch
If you find yourself using the word “very” all the time, it’s probably because you’re relying on it as a crutch. Instead of using “very,” try to find a more specific word that conveys the same meaning. With a little practice, you’ll be able to write without using “very” at all.
Overall, you should avoid using the word “very” in your writing. It’s overused, vague, and unnecessary. If you want to make your writing more effective, cut out all the “very”s.
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Avoid using the word VERY because it’s lazy.
There are a few quotes that verify this idea and are stated below:
“Substitute ‘damn’ every time you’re inclined to write ‘very;’ your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be. ~Mark Twain”
“‘Very’ is the most useless word in the English language and can always come out. More than useless, it is treacherous because it invariably weakens what it is intended to strengthen. ~Florence King”
“So avoid using the word ‘very’ because it’s lazy. A man is not very tired, he is exhausted. Don’t use very sad, use morose. Language was invented for one reason, boys – to woo women – and, in that endeavor, laziness will not do. It also won’t do in your essays. ~N.H. Kleinbaum”
One way to avoid using the word “very” is to use more descriptive words or phrases. For example, instead of saying “very tired,” you could say “exhausted.” Instead of saying “very happy,” you could say “overjoyed.” Additionally, you can use adverbs that are stronger than “very,” such as “completely,” “totally,” or “utterly.” Another way to avoid using “very” is to use a phrase that expresses the same thing in a different way, such as “to a great degree” instead of “very much” or “extremely” instead of “very”.
- Very cold -> Frigid
- Very tired -> Exhausted
- Very angry -> Furious
- Very happy -> Ecstatic
- Very cheap -> Inexpensive
- Very fast -> Swift
- Very big -> Enormous
- Very small -> Tiny
- Very hot -> Scorching
- Very cold -> Bitingly cold
- Very hungry -> Starving
- Very thirsty -> Parched
- Very dirty -> Filthy
- Very beautiful -> Gorgeous
- Very slow -> Tedious
- Very old -> Ancient
- Very high -> Lofty
- Very loud -> Deafening
- Very bright -> Radiant
- Very dark -> Pitch black
- Very long -> Interminable
- Very short -> Petite
- Very thin -> Skinny
- Very thick -> Chunky
- Very heavy -> Massive
- Very light -> Feathery
- Very fast -> Lightning fast
- Very slow -> Sluggish
- Very easy -> Effortless
- Very hard -> Herculean
- Very strong -> Robust
- Very weak -> Feeble
- Very sweet -> Saccharine
- Very sour -> Tart
- Very salty -> Briny
- Very bitter -> Harsh
- Very fresh -> Crisp
- Very stale -> Musty
- Very young -> Juvenile
- Very mature -> Sophisticated
- Very rich -> Opulent
- Very poor -> Destitute
- Very successful -> Triumphant
- Very failed -> Disastrous
- Very healthy -> Robust
- Very sick -> Infirm
- Very happy -> Elated
- Very sad -> Despondent
- Very pleased -> Delighted
- Very annoyed -> Irritated
- Extremely thin -> Gaunt
- Very quiet -> Hushed
- Very rude -> Impolite
- Very kind -> Benevolent
- Very nervous -> Anxious
- Very calm -> Serene
- Very hot -> Blazing
- Very cold -> Arctic
- Very rich -> Affluent
- Very poor -> Impoverished
- Very popular -> Trendy
- Very disliked -> Unpopular
- Very intelligent -> Brilliant
- Very silly -> Goofy
- Very serious -> Solemn
- Very playful -> Joyful
- Very boring -> Dull
- Very interesting -> Engaging
- Very simple -> Uncomplicated
- Very complicated -> Intricate
- Very wrong -> Incorrect
- Very right -> Correct
- Very fast -> Speedy
- Very slow -> Leisurely
- Very full -> Stuffed
- Very empty -> Vacant
- Very high -> Elevated
- Very low -> Depressed
- Very big -> Colossal
- Very small -> Minute
- Very hot -> Sweltering
- Very cold -> Frigid
- Very wide -> Spacious
- Very narrow -> Confined
Words to Use Instead of Very in Sentences
Here are some sentences using the words to instead of “very”:
- He was extremely cold. -> He was frigid.
- She was very tired. -> She was exhausted.
- The situation was very angry. -> The situation was furious.
- The party was very happy. -> The party was ecstatic.
- The item was very cheap. -> The item was inexpensive.
- The car was very fast. -> The car was swift.
- The building was very big. -> The building was enormous.
- The toy was very small. -> The toy was tiny.
- The day was very hot. -> The day was scorching.
- The night was very cold. -> The night was bitingly cold.
- He was very hungry. -> He was starving.
- She was very thirsty. -> She was parched.
- The room was very dirty. -> The room was filthy.
- The view was very beautiful. -> The view was gorgeous.
- The progress was very slow. -> The progress was tedious.
How to Avoid Using the Word Very | Image
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Never use the word, ‘very.’ It is the weakest word in the English language; doesn’t mean anything. If you feel the urge of ‘very’ coming on, just write the word, ‘damn,’ in the place of ‘very.’ The editor will strike out the word, ‘damn,’ and you will have a good sentence.
Topics
- Mean
- Writing
- Language
- English Language
- Sentences
- Editors
- Feels
- Strikes
- Use
- Damn
- Ifs
- Urges
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