The word ‘very’ in English is, naturally, very frequent. It is an adverb that we use to highlight or intensify adjectives: very nice, very big, very good. Using it frequently seems hard to avoid. As an English teacher, I feel that students tend to overuse this word when there are similar words that could be used instead. Today, we are going to cover these alternatives and show you ways to diversify your vocabulary as much as possible. I hope you are all very excited about this and find it useful!
Here you are some examples:
flawless instead of very perfect
Although he has just moved to the US, his English was flawless.
I always stay at this hotel because their service is flawless.
freezing instead of very cold
How can you go out right now? It is freezing outside!
Don’t forget to bring a jacket because the weather forecast said it is going to be freezing tonight.
furious instead of very angry
The boss was furious at the employee for being late three times in a row.
I was furious when I missed my flight due to traffic.
filthy instead of very dirty
My jacket was filthy since I had been wearing it for two weeks.
Your hands are filthy! Go wash it before dinner.
spotless instead of very clean
After we spent the whole morning cleaning, the house was spotless.
I was amazed to see that the restaurant’s kitchen was in spotless condition.
gorgeous instead of very pretty
I know it sounds cliché, but Venice is one of the most gorgeous places I have ever visited.
Every bride dreams of finding the most gorgeous dress for their wedding.
hideous instead of very ugly
He looked great in all his profile pictures, but in real life he was hideous.
Are you seriously considering painting the living room walls this hideous color?
odd instead of very strange
That’s odd. I left my phone on the table but now I can’t find it.
Don’t you think it is odd that Jerry never talks about himself?
extraordinary instead of very special
Frida Kahlo was an extraordinary Mexican artist.
The trip was extraordinary! We even swam with dolphins!
starving instead of very hungry
I’m starving! Let’s have lunch, shall we?
I was away all day. When I got home my cats were simply starving.
exhausted / worn out instead of very tired
After the 6km run, the competitors were completely exhausted/worn out.
I got so exhausted/worn out from working all day that I just fell asleep on the bus.
terrified instead of very afraid
I was terrified the first time I had to speak in public to a large audience.
The children got terrified after watching a horror movie on TV.
miserable instead of very sad
He felt miserable when she broke up with him on his birthday.
Whenever I am feeling miserable at work, I just go out with my friends afterwards and feel instantly better.
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