Word of the Day: Very
The word “very” is an intensifier used with adjectives to increase their meaning. It’s similar to the word “really.”
- I’m very glad to see you. (I’m really glad to see you.)
- This pizza is very good.
- We had a very, very good time at the party.
- That’s a very, very scary movie.
The word “not” is often used before the word “very” when something is negative:
- He’s not very good at basketball.
- That’s not very nice.
- I’m very unhappy about this. (Or, I’m not very happy…”)
Sometimes the word “very” serves as an answer to a yes or no question formed with the verb “be”:
- A: Is she angry?
- B: Very
- A: Is it cold outside?
- B: Yes, very.
- A: Were those shoes expensive?
- No, not very.
Do not use the word “very” with a verb. I hear this all the time among my students, but they don’t realize they’re making a mistake. Instead of using “very” to intensify a verb, use the word “really.”
- She really likes her class. (Not, “
She very likes her class.”) - They really need some warm clothes. (Not,
“They very need some warm clothes.”)
Essential English Dictionary
Visit the Popular English Words Beginning with V page to see the list of all words starting with letter V. For seeing the HiCafe dictionary, visit the Popular English Words with Meaning page.
