Why Using Alternatives Can Make Your Writing and Conversations More Vivid and Engaging
Using the word “very” too often can make your writing sound dull and repetitive. Fortunately, there are many more exciting words you can use to express the same idea. Let’s explore 10 phrases where “very” is commonly used and offer alternatives that will make your writing and conversation more vivid and engaging.
- Very Bad
- Sample Sentence: The weather was very bad today.
- Alternative: The weather was dreadful today.
- Why it’s better: “Dreadful” paints a clearer picture and is more expressive.
- Very Smart
- Sample Sentence: She is very smart in math.
- Alternative: She is brilliant in math.
- Why it’s better: “Brilliant” conveys a higher level of intelligence.
- Very Upset
- Sample Sentence: He was very upset after the argument.
- Alternative: He was devastated after the argument.
- Why it’s better: “Devastated” emphasizes the strong emotional impact.
- Very Cold
- Sample Sentence: The winter night was very cold.
- Alternative: The winter night was freezing.
- Why it’s better: “Freezing” evokes a more intense feeling of coldness.
- Very Bright
- Sample Sentence: The sun was very bright.
- Alternative: The sun was radiant.
- Why it’s better: “Radiant” describes brightness more vividly.
- Very Busy
- Sample Sentence: The office was very busy.
- Alternative: The office was bustling.
- Why it’s better: “Bustling” conveys a livelier atmosphere.
- Very Careful
- Sample Sentence: Be very careful while handling the fragile glass.
- Alternative: Be extremely cautious while handling the fragile glass.
- Why it’s better: “Extremely cautious” emphasizes a higher level of care.
- Very Clear
- Sample Sentence: His explanation was very clear.
- Alternative: His explanation was crystal clear.
- Why it’s better: “Crystal clear” makes it even more apparent.
- Very Colorful
- Sample Sentence: The painting is very colorful.
- Alternative: The painting is exceptionally vibrant.
- Why it’s better: “Exceptionally vibrant” highlights the richness of colors.
- Very Confused
- Sample Sentence: She felt very confused reading the complex book.
- Alternative: She felt utterly bewildered after reading the complex book.
- Why it’s better: “Utterly bewildered” conveys a deeper level of confusion.
By using these alternatives, you can make your writing more descriptive and engaging, allowing your readers to better visualise and understand the situations you’re describing. Expanding your vocabulary and using precise words adds depth and clarity to your writing and speech, making them more interesting and compelling.
If you are looking to expand your vocabulary, we can help! Click below to book a free consultation.
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