Using the word “very” repeatedly in your writing or speech can make your English sound less expressive. This blog post on Words to Use Instead of Very will introduce you to better alternatives to make your vocabulary richer and more engaging. You’ll learn how to replace “very” with precise and impactful words, like “enormous” instead of “very big” or “exhausted” instead of “very tired.” By the end of this post, you’ll have a list of expressive words that will elevate your English skills.
| Instead of | Say |
| very angry | furious |
| very bad | terrible |
| very beautiful | gorgeous |
| very big | enormous |
| very boring | tedious |
| very bright | dazzling |
| very busy | swamped |
| very cheap | inexpensive |
| very clean | spotless |
| very clear | obvious |
| very cold | freezing |
| very colorful | vibrant |
| very complicated | complex |
| very confused | perplexed |
| very crowded | packed |
| very dangerous | perilous |
| very dark | pitch-black |
| very dirty | filthy |
| very dry | parched |
| very dull | tedious |
| very easy | effortless |
| very empty | desolate |
| very expensive | costly |
| very fast | rapid |
| very fat | obese |
| very friendly | amiable |
| very funny | hilarious |
| very good | excellent |
| very happy | ecstatic |
| very hard | difficult |
| very heavy | massive |
| very hot | scorching |
| very hungry | starving |
| very important | crucial |
| very intelligent | brilliant |
| very large | huge |
| very lazy | indolent |
| very long | extensive |
| very loud | deafening |
| very messy | chaotic |
| very neat | immaculate |
| very noisy | boisterous |
| very old | ancient |
| very painful | excruciating |
| very poor | destitute |
| very pretty | beautiful |
| very quiet | silent |
| very rich | wealthy |
| very sad | sorrowful |
| very scared | terrified |
| very serious | grave |
| very sharp | keen |
| very short | brief |
| very shy | timid |
| very simple | basic |
| very slow | sluggish |
| very small | tiny |
| very strong | powerful |
| very stupid | idiotic |
| very sweet | adorable |
| very tall | towering |
| very tasty | delicious |
| very thirsty | parched |
| very tired | exhausted |
| very ugly | hideous |
| very valuable | precious |
| very weak | frail |
| very wet | soaked |
| very windy | blustery |
| very wise | sagacious |
| very worried | anxious |
| very young | youthful |
What’s another word to use instead of very?
- Extremely
- Really
- Incredibly
- Highly
- Tremendously
- Exceptionally
- Super
- Unbelievably
- Unusually
- Particularly
- Profoundly
- Absolutely
- Remarkably
- Exceedingly
- Enormously
- Utterly
- Amazingly
- Immensely
- Seriously
- Terribly
How do you avoid the word very?
Use Stronger Adjectives and Adverbs
Rather than relying on “very” to intensify adjectives or adverbs, you can use stronger, more specific words. By doing this, you make your writing more engaging and precise. For example:
- Very big → Gigantic, Massive, Enormous, Colossal
- Very fast → Swift, Rapid, Speedy, Lightning-fast
- Very happy → Ecstatic, Delighted, Overjoyed, Elated
- Very cold → Freezing, Icy, Frigid, Arctic
- Very important → Crucial, Vital, Essential, Imperative
Using these specific words not only eliminates “very” but also makes your descriptions more precise and powerful.
2. Use Precise Language and Details
Instead of saying something is “very good” or “very bad,” consider providing more context to describe the situation. By doing so, you create a more vivid picture for your reader. For instance:
- Very good → “She performed with excellence in her presentation.”
- Very bad → “The situation was disastrous, with no way out.”
This method often eliminates the need for overused intensifiers like “very” while still conveying a strong emotion or situation.
3. Use Comparisons
Comparing things or actions can be a great way to avoid “very” while still conveying intensity. This approach helps you show the degree of something without using vague intensifiers:
- Very tall → Taller than the average person, Towering
- Very loud → Deafening, As loud as thunder
By using comparisons, you create more interesting and varied descriptions that also avoid the overuse of “very.”
4. Opt for Metaphors or Similes
Metaphors and similes can convey strength and emphasis creatively without needing “very.” These literary devices add layers of meaning and can make your writing more engaging and imaginative.
- Very bright → “The sun was a blazing fire in the sky.”
- Very strong → “She was as strong as an ox.”
- Very hard. → “The surface was as tough as steel.”
These figures of speech enhance your writing by adding emotional or visual impact.
5. Combine Nouns and Adjectives for Emphasis
Instead of using “very” to emphasize an adjective, you can combine nouns and adjectives that give more weight to the description:
- Very dark → Pitch black, Inky darkness
- Very expensive → A luxury item, A high-end product
- Very clean → Spotless, Immaculate
This technique combines descriptive language with specific nouns, offering a richer and more dynamic description.
6. Use the Power of Context
In some cases, the context of a sentence can carry enough weight to convey intensity, meaning you don’t need to rely on “very” to emphasize a point. You can rely on the action or setting to show just how important or strong something is.
- Very tired. → “After hours of work, she could barely keep her eyes open.”
- Very large. → “The mountain stretched endlessly into the horizon.”
The context itself gives power to the description, eliminating the need for any extra words like “very.”
7. Use the Right Tone for the Situation
Sometimes, instead of using “very,” you can adjust the tone of your writing. Emphasizing the emotions or reactions in your sentences allows you to express the intensity naturally. For instance:
- Very excited → “He was bubbling with excitement.”
- Very surprised → “Her eyes widened in shock.”
By capturing the essence of the emotion or reaction through action, you don’t need an intensifier like “very.”
8. Avoid Unnecessary Intensifiers
Lastly, it’s essential to recognize when “very” is unnecessary. Often, we default to using “very” out of habit, but many times, it doesn’t add anything meaningful to the sentence. Try reading your sentences and see if the meaning still holds strong without it.
- Very tired → Exhausted
- Very beautiful → Stunning
- Very angry → Furious
FAQ on Words To Use Instead Of Very
-
Why should I avoid using “very” too often?
- Using “very” frequently can make your speech or writing repetitive and less descriptive.
-
What are some common words to replace “very”?
- Examples include “huge” for “very big” or “delicious” for “very tasty.”
-
How can replacing “very” improve my English?
- Replacing “very” with precise words helps you sound more fluent and expressive.
-
Is it hard to learn words to replace “very”?
- Not at all! With practice, these words will become a natural part of your vocabulary.
-
Where can I use words instead of “very”?
- You can use them in writing, conversations, emails, or any form of communication to sound more professional and engaging.
