Why 'Very' is the Villain of Your Vocabulary (And How to Beat It)
There are so many exciting alternatives to the word ‘very’
As writers, we often find ourselves using certain words and phrases out of habit, without realising how they affect the clarity and power of our writing. One such word? “Very.” You’ve probably used it in your writing more than you care to admit. But here’s the truth – “very” doesn’t add value; in fact, it weakens your writing.
In this blog, we’re going to show you why "very" has no place in your writing and how ditching it can help you craft sentences that are sharper, stronger, and far more engaging. Ready to cut the fluff and write with more impact? Let’s go!
Why “Very” Is a Weak Word
Let’s be clear, there’s nothing wrong with “very” on its own. But when you use it in nearly every sentence, it starts to become a crutch. Consider this:
“The weather was very hot.”
“The food was very tasty.”
Both are fine, but imagine how much stronger those sentences could be if we removed “very.” Instead:
“The weather was scorching.”
“The food was delicious.”
See the difference? The sentences are more direct, and each word carries more weight.
Using stronger verbs and adjectives can transform your writing, turning dull, watered-down descriptions into vivid, engaging visuals. Instead of writing "very tired," try "exhausted." Instead of "very big," say "massive." The possibilities are endless!
Dust off the old dictionary
How “Very” Steals Your Writing’s Power
When you rely too heavily on “very,” it can dilute your message. It’s a little like adding too much sugar to your tea. It might make the tea a little sweeter, but at the cost of the actual flavour. In writing, that “flavour” is the impact your words can have on the reader. If every sentence starts to sound very repetitive, you risk losing your reader's attention. To keep them hooked, you need variety, precision, and strength in your language.
A key takeaway? Eliminate redundancy. We’ve all been guilty of using “very” because we weren’t sure which stronger word to choose. But here’s the thing: there’s always a better, more specific word. With a bit of creativity and effort, you’ll discover them.
Get the creativity flowing
Better Alternatives to “Very”
Here are some simple swaps you can make in your writing to replace “very” and improve its impact:
Very happy ➡️ Ecstatic
Very sad ➡️ Devastated
Very cold ➡️ Frigid
Very small ➡️ Tiny
Very big ➡️ Huge
Very fast ➡️ Quick
Very good ➡️ Excellent
A little effort goes a long way when you replace weak adjectives with more precise, powerful language. Imagine how much sharper your website copy, blog posts, and even social media content could be if you ditched the “verys”!
Discover how removing unnecessary words like "very" can transform your writing
The Power of Precision in Writing
You may have noticed that strong, precise language is a common theme throughout this blog. That’s because one of the best ways to engage your audience is through clarity and conciseness. When you choose words carefully and eliminate unnecessary ones, your writing becomes more efficient and impactful.
Remember, every word counts. So, if it’s not adding meaning, it’s time to get rid of it. By avoiding common writing pitfalls like overuse of “very,” you’ll naturally make your writing clearer and more compelling.
Now that you know why and how to eliminate “very” from your writing, what’s stopping you from applying this technique to your next project? If you’re looking to take your writing to the next level and want more tips on effective writing and content strategy, make sure to follow us. We’ve got plenty of expert advice waiting for you!