Very is an adverb that is commonly overused in everyday English. The word “very” can enhance and/or emphasise both adjectives and adverbs. It can be used with a vastly wide variety of different vocabulary. As a result, it is used VERY often every day, however, if you want to impress with your level of English be it at work or with your native English speaking friends or would prefer to speak a more colourful and diverse form of English, then there are alternatives to be considered.
There are many alternatives in terms of vocabulary that can show emphasis, such as obnoxious (very annoying) or Excellent (Very good). There is a catalogue of alternatives to choose from, so many different words we can use instead. The English language has an extremely vast vocabulary set that we should take advantage of.
In terms of writing whether it is a piece of literature or a formal letter you’re writing, having a mix of words at your disposal is helpful and also advantageous if you want your written words to make for an enjoyable read and impress the reader. The ability to articulate at a high level is a valuable asset, a skill that can open many doors for you and will bring you ever closer to speaking and writing like a native English speaker.
Below I’ve included a list of words that have been enhanced by the adverb “very” alongside some replacement words you may not have heard of before. So have a read as you may find it useful for the future, hope you enjoy!
Very Annoying |
Obnoxious |
Very Happy |
Ecstatic |
Very Good |
Excellent |
Very Bad |
Awful |
Very Big |
Massive |
Very Fat |
Obese |
Very Often |
Frequently |
Very Smelly |
Pungent |
Very Nervous |
Apprehensive |
Very Tasty |
Delicious |
Very Neat |
Immaculate |
Very Rich |
Wealthy |
Very Serious |
Grave |
Very Loud |
Deafening |
Very Calm |
Serene |
Very Slow |
Sluggish |
Very Angry |
Furious |
Very Beautiful |
Exquisite |
Very Poor |
Destitute |
Very Smart |
Intelligent |
Very Careful |
Cautious |
Very Strong |
Unyielding |
Very Tired |
Exhausted |
Very Powerful |
Compelling |
Very Risky |
Perilous |
Very Weak |
Frail |
Very Upset |
Distraught |
Very Eager |
Keen |
Very Cute |
Adorable |
Very Careful |
Meticulous |
There is no harm in using the word very in your speech or writing but it comes across much nicer if you include various other words that can be used instead. Continue to use the word very but try a few words from this list from time to time and add them into your vocabulary set. Reading this list once won’t help you to remember them so copy the list and read over it a few times. Don’t just memorise them though, use them!
Practice using new vocabulary you learn by challenging yourself to speak certain words during lessons or during casual conversations with other English speakers. Take 2 to 3 words from this list per day, starting with the ones you believe to be the most spoken words. Practice including these words in your speech or text. Remember, practice makes perfect, don’t just memorise these words use them! Don’t be afraid, you need to challenge yourself or you will never progress your linguistic skills any further. Go ahead and try it.
Good luck!