Introduction
Using the word "very" all the time is a common practice among English learners. While not "wrong," it can make your English sound repetitive and simplistic. To sound more like a native speaker, begin using specific adjectives that express your meaning clearly and professionally.
The "Very" Replacement Guide
| Instead of (Boring) | Use This (Powerful) | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Very happy | Thrilled | I’m thrilled about the new job! |
| Very sad | Devastated | She was devastated by the news. |
| Very angry | Furious | My boss was furious when I arrived late. |
| Very beautiful | Stunning | The view from the top is stunning. |
| Very tired | Exhausted | I’ve been working all day; I'm exhausted. |
| Very hungry | Starving | Let’s eat! I’m absolutely starving. |
| Very big | Massive | They live in a massive house. |
| Very small | Tiny | It's a tiny apartment, but it's cozy. |
| Very cold | Freezing | Close the window, it's freezing in here! |
| Very hot | Scorching | It was a scorching day in July. |
Quick Pro Tip
Using these words not only makes you sound smarter, but it also allows you to be more concise. Instead of saying "The movie was very, very, very good," simply say "The movie was outstanding!"
