very
- 01 A1 Beginner
adv.you use this to make an adjective or adverb stronger.
adv.an intensifier used to increase the degree or force of an adjective or another adverb.
Simple“The tea is very hot, so please be careful not to burn yourself.”
In context“The results of the clinical trial were very encouraging, suggesting that the new treatment could significantly reduce recovery times for most patients.”
PitfallThe movie was very interesting, but I was very tired. The movie was very interesting, but I was exhausted.Avoid using 'very' with 'strong' adjectives that already mean 'very X'. For example, use 'exhausted' instead of 'very tired' for better style.
- 02 B1 Intermediate
adj.used to emphasize that you are talking about a specific person, thing, or place.
adj.used as an emphatic determiner to specify a particular person or thing; often indicates the exactness of a location or identity.
Simple“That is the very house where my grandfather was born eighty years ago.”
In context“At that very moment, the sirens began to wail, confirming our suspicions that the drill had finally commenced.”
UsageAlways placed before the noun it modifies.
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.used to emphasize the extreme end or limit of something.
adj.used to emphasize the extreme nature or the furthest point of a physical or temporal limit.
Simple“We walked to the very end of the pier to watch the boats.”
In context“The hikers reached the very edge of the cliff before realizing the trail had been washed away by the previous night's storm.”
- 04 C1 Advanced
adj.used to show that even a small or simple thing is enough to cause a reaction.
adj.used to emphasize that the mere mention or existence of something is sufficient to produce an effect.
Simple“The very thought of public speaking makes him feel nervous.”
In context“The very existence of such a document was enough to spark a diplomatic crisis between the two neighboring nations.”
“We're all talking to each other, which is very nice, no matter the difference in opinion," he said.”
“I was always very quick on the old Nokia.”