How often do you use the word “very” in a day? If you’re like most people, it probably shows up a lot in your conversations and writing.

Maybe you’re very excited to read this article because you’re very curious about it. Or maybe you’re very interested in learning how to improve your vocabulary.

Do you see the issue?

Words like “very” are often used without much thinking. But they can make your communication seem weaker, less clear, and less interesting. If you want to sound more polished, confident, and clear, here are some practical tips to help you replace “very” with stronger, more effective words.

Why You Should Stop Using “Very”

Using “very” too often can make your speech and writing sound boring and repetitive. It might make others think you’re not putting much effort into what you say. When you use “very,” it can seem like you don’t know how to express yourself well, which can weaken your message.

When we use “very,” we’re usually trying to make an adjective stronger. But instead of making the statement more powerful, it can have the opposite effect. Think of it as adding unnecessary weight to a sentence. By replacing “very” with more specific, descriptive words, you’ll be able to communicate more clearly and strongly.

For example, compare these two sentences:

The food was very good.
The food was delicious.

Which one grabs your attention more? By replacing “very” with a word like “delicious,” you’re painting a clearer picture and adding more feeling to the sentence. It shows that you’ve chosen your words carefully and want to share something more meaningful.

20 Better Alternatives to “Very”

Now that you understand why stopping “very” is important, how do you actually do it? Here’s a list of alternatives for common “very” phrases. Try using these in your everyday conversations or writing. These alternatives will help you sound smarter and more engaging.

1. Very tired = Exhausted
After the long hike, I was exhausted.

2. Very sleepy = Drowsy
She felt drowsy after a big meal.

3. Very fast = Rapid
The train was moving at a rapid speed.

4. Very slow = Sluggish
The internet connection was sluggish during the storm.

5. Very strong = Powerful
The speaker delivered a powerful message.

6. Very weak = Frail
After the illness, he felt frail and unsteady.

7. Very bright = Radiant
Her smile was radiant, lighting up the room.

8. Very dark = Pitch-black
The cave was pitch-black without a flashlight.

9. Very hungry = Famished
After skipping lunch, I was famished.

10. Very thirsty = Parched
He was parched after running for hours in the sun.

11. Very busy = Swamped
The team was swamped with tasks all day.

12. Very lazy = Idle
He spent the afternoon idle, not doing anything productive.

13. Very important = Crucial
It’s crucial to submit the report by Friday.

14. Very unimportant = Trivial
The detail was so trivial, we skipped over it.

15. Very funny = Hilarious
The comedian’s act was hilarious.

16. Very boring = Dull
The lecture was dull, and many students fell asleep.

17. Very rich = Wealthy
She comes from a wealthy family.

18. Very poor = Impoverished
The village was impoverished after the drought.

19. Very smart = Brilliant
His idea was simply brilliant.

20. Very dumb = Foolish
It was foolish to forget the map on the hike.

Common Mistakes When Replacing “Very”

While it’s a good idea to cut down on “very,” there are a few common mistakes to avoid.

• Relying Too Much on a Thesaurus
  • A thesaurus is useful, but make sure you understand the meaning of the words you choose. It’s tempting to pick the fanciest word, but it can lead to strange or wrong usage if you don’t know the word well.
  • For example, replacing “very sad” with “morose” might sound good, but if the context doesn’t fit, it could confuse your audience. Always think about the tone, meaning, and context of the replacement word.
• Using Too Many Adjectives
  • While using descriptive language can improve your writing, don’t use too many adjectives. Too many descriptive words can make your writing feel heavy or too much. Instead of just replacing “very,” look for ways to use stronger verbs or nouns.
  • For instance, instead of saying “The very tall mountain,” you could say “The mountain towered above the clouds.” This uses a strong verb to convey the same meaning, making the sentence more dynamic.
• Ignoring the Context
  • When choosing alternative words for “very,” consider the context of your conversation or writing. Some words might feel too formal or too casual depending on the situation.
  • For example, while “scorching” might be a good replacement for “very hot” when talking casually with friends, it might not fit in a business report or academic paper. Be mindful of your audience and the tone you want to set.

Practice Replacing “Very” Today

Breaking the habit of using “very” can take time, but it’s worth the effort. A simple way to practice is to review your writing and look for places where “very” appears. Replace it with a stronger word and see how it improves your message.

Reading aloud can also help. As you read your sentences, listen for times where you’ve used “very” and think about whether a more descriptive word could make the sentence clearer or more interesting.

Having someone to help can be useful too. Ask a friend or colleague to point out when you use “very” too much, and work together to find better alternatives.

For those serious about improving their communication and pronunciation, you can practice vocabulary building with ELSA Speak, an app designed to help you speak English with more clarity and confidence. ELSA Speak provides interactive exercises to expand your vocabulary and improve your pronunciation, making it easier to find impactful alternatives to common words like “very.”

The app can help you spot patterns in your speech and offer feedback, so you know exactly where to improve. With consistent practice, you’ll notice a big change in the way you communicate, both verbally and in writing.

Start practicing today, and soon you’ll notice a big improvement in how you communicate!

More tips here.