Stop Saying “Very” to Start Sounding Smarter
As an English learner, you want your words to sound clear, confident, and smart.
One simple way to improve your speaking and writing is to stop using the word “very” too much.
While “very” is a common word, overusing it can make your language sound weak or repetitive.
In this post, I’ll explain why “very” holds you back, share stronger alternatives, and give you practical tips to sound smarter.
This advice comes from years of teaching English and studying how native speakers communicate effectively.
Why “Very” Weakens Your English
“Very” is an intensifier, a word that adds emphasis. For example, you might say, “The movie was very good.” While this is correct, it’s not always the best choice. Here’s why:
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It’s Overused: Many English learners rely on “very” because it’s simple and familiar. But using it too often makes your speech or writing sound boring. Native speakers notice when someone repeats “very” and may think you lack vocabulary.
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It’s Vague: “Very” doesn’t add specific meaning. Saying “very tired” doesn’t paint a clear picture compared to a word like “exhausted.” Stronger words show exactly what you mean.
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It Sounds Less Confident: Overusing “very” can make you seem unsure. For example, “I’m very sorry” sounds weaker than “I’m deeply sorry.” Precise words show confidence and maturity.
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It’s a Crutch: Many learners use “very” when they can’t think of a better word. This habit stops you from growing your vocabulary and expressing yourself fully.
By replacing “very” with stronger words, you’ll sound more fluent and professional. Let’s explore how to do this.
How to Replace “Very”
The key to sounding smarter is using specific, powerful words instead of “very” plus a basic word. Below, I’ve listed common phrases with “very” and their stronger alternatives. These are simple enough for English learners to use right away.
Common “Very” Phrases and Better Alternatives
|
Phrase with “Very” |
Stronger Alternative |
|---|---|
|
Very big |
Huge, enormous |
|
Very small |
Tiny, miniature |
|
Very good |
Excellent, superb |
|
Very bad |
Terrible, awful |
|
Very tired |
Exhausted, drained |
|
Very happy |
Thrilled, overjoyed |
|
Very sad |
Heartbroken, devastated |
|
Very cold |
Freezing, icy |
|
Very hot |
Boiling, scorching |
|
Very fast |
Rapid, swift |
|
Very slow |
Sluggish, crawling |
|
Very beautiful |
Stunning, gorgeous |
|
Very ugly |
Hideous, unattractive |
|
Very smart |
Brilliant, clever |
|
Very stupid |
Foolish, idiotic |
Examples in Sentences
Let’s see how these alternatives improve your English:
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Weak: The mountain was very big.
Strong: The mountain was enormous.
Why it’s better: “Enormous” creates a vivid image of size and sounds more impressive. -
Weak: I was very tired after work.
Strong: I was exhausted after work.
Why it’s better: “Exhausted” shows the level of tiredness clearly and feels more emotional. -
Weak: The party was very fun.
Strong: The party was thrilling.
Why it’s better: “Thrilling” suggests excitement and energy, making your description lively.
By practicing these replacements, you’ll build a richer vocabulary and sound more like a native speaker.
Practical Tips to Stop Saying “Very”
Breaking the “very” habit takes practice, but these steps will help you improve quickly. They’re designed for English learners and easy to follow.
1. Learn Synonyms Daily
A synonym is a word with the same or similar meaning. Each day, pick one “very” phrase (like “very big”) and learn two or three synonyms (like “huge,” “enormous,” or “massive”). Write them down, say them out loud, and use them in sentences. For example:
Apps like Quizlet or Anki can help you memorize synonyms. Aim to learn five new synonyms each week.
2. Practice with Real-Life Examples
Listen to how native speakers describe things in movies, podcasts, or YouTube videos. Notice when they avoid “very” and use stronger words. For example, in a movie, a character might say, “I’m furious!” instead of “I’m very angry!” Write down these examples and try using them in your own conversations.
3. Rewrite Your Sentences
Take a piece of your writing, like an email or journal entry, and highlight every “very.” Then, rewrite those sentences with stronger words. For example:
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Original: The test was very difficult.
Rewritten: The test was challenging.
This exercise helps you spot your habits and practice better choices.
4. Use a Thesaurus (Carefully)
A thesaurus is a tool that lists synonyms. Websites like Thesaurus.com or apps like Merriam-Webster are great for English learners. Type in a word like “good” and find alternatives like “excellent” or “superb.” But be careful—some synonyms don’t fit every situation. For example, “superb” works for a meal or performance but not for a pencil. If you’re unsure, check the word’s meaning in a dictionary.
5. Record Yourself Speaking
Record yourself talking about your day or a topic you like. Play it back and count how many times you say “very.” Then, try again, replacing “very” with stronger words. For example, instead of “The weather was very nice,” say, “The weather was delightful.” This builds confidence and helps you hear your progress.
6. Ask for Feedback
If you have a teacher, tutor, or friend who speaks English well, ask them to point out when you overuse “very.” They can suggest better words in the moment. For example, if you say, “I’m very hungry,” they might reply, “Try saying ‘I’m starving!’” This real-time feedback speeds up your learning.
Why This Matters for English Learners
As an English learner, your goal is to communicate clearly and confidently. Overusing “very” can make people focus on your mistakes instead of your ideas. By using precise words, you show that you understand English well and respect your listener or reader. This is especially important in situations like:
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School: Teachers notice when students use varied vocabulary. Saying “The book was fascinating” instead of “The book was very good” can improve your grades.
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Work: In emails or meetings, strong words like “crucial” (instead of “very important”) make you sound professional.
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Social Life: Friends and colleagues will enjoy talking to you more if your language is lively and expressive.
Plus, learning to avoid “very” builds your overall vocabulary. The more words you know, the easier it is to express your thoughts and understand others.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
As you work on replacing “very,” watch out for these pitfalls:
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Using Fancy Words Incorrectly: Don’t use a big word just because it sounds smart. For example, “colossal” means very large but is usually for physical objects, like “a colossal statue.” If you’re unsure, use a simpler synonym or check a dictionary.
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Overcomplicating Your Speech: While strong words are great, don’t make your sentences too complex. Keep them clear and natural. For example, “The view was breathtaking” is better than “The panorama was extraordinarily resplendent.”
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Forgetting Context: Some synonyms fit specific situations. For example, “freezing” works for weather (“It’s freezing outside”) but not for emotions (“I’m freezing with fear” sounds odd). Pay attention to how native speakers use words.
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Giving Up Too Soon: Changing a habit takes time. You might still say “very” sometimes, and that’s okay. Keep practicing, and you’ll improve.
How to Keep Improving
Once you’ve mastered replacing “very,” you can take your English to the next level. Here are some ideas:
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Learn Other Intensifiers: Words like “really,” “so,” or “extremely” are similar to “very” and can also be overused. Try replacing them with strong synonyms too.
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Study Adjectives: Adjectives (describing words) are key to avoiding “very.” Read lists of adjectives for emotions, sizes, or qualities to grow your vocabulary.
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Read More: Books, articles, and blogs expose you to varied language. Notice how authors describe things without relying on “very.”
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Join a Language Group: Online platforms like iTalki or Meetup have groups where you can practice speaking with others. Share your goal of avoiding “very” and get support.
Final Thoughts
Stopping the “very” habit is a simple but powerful way to sound smarter in English.
By choosing precise, vivid words, you’ll express yourself better and impress others with your fluency. Start small—learn a few synonyms, practice daily, and ask for feedback.
With time, you’ll notice a big difference in how you speak and write.
As an English learner, you’re already working hard to improve.
Be proud of your progress, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
Every step you take, like replacing “very” with stronger words, brings you closer to sounding like a native speaker.
Keep practicing, and soon, your English will shine.
