Over the next few weeks, I’m
looking at the very frequent use of ‘very’, which is very bad, as you know so
very well.
Okay, a touch of overkill,
but you know we all do it: use ‘very’ to modify a verb or adjective rather than
search for a stronger one that will say the same thing, only better. So, here
are a few examples to make it easier for you to reject that easy option. Choose
with care; synonyms are not always exact matches and you need to consider
context.
Very bad – atrocious, unprincipled,
black-hearted, evil, heinous, wicked, diabolical, monstrous
Very poor – destitute,
underprivileged, impecunious, broke, bankrupt, penurious, impoverished
Very lively – vivacious, animated,
vital, effervescent, impassioned, enthusiastic
Very worried – anxious,
nervous, alarmed, hysterical, dismayed, apprehensive
Very beautiful – exquisite,
radiant, divine, picturesque, sublime, heavenly, ravishing, gorgeous
Very large – colossal, huge,
enormous, vast, immense, gigantic, monumental,
Very quiet – silent, hushed,
calm, noiseless, mute, peaceful, serene,
Very wise – sagacious,
brilliant, profound, reasonable, intellectual, experienced
A few more. There’ll be others, next week.
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