Stop Saying ‘Very’ — Use These Words Instead

When it comes to overusing basic intensifiers, no one embraces them more than the ’90s duo Savage Garden, who famously sang: “I‘ll love you more with every breath, truly, madly, deeply do.” Notice how the adverbs “truly,” “madly,” and “deeply” add intensity to the depiction of love. Imagine if the lyric were simply “really do.” While it’s technically correct, it’s not very memorable.

That’s the problem with adverbs such as “really” and “very.” They work, but they rarely shine. In grammatical terms, they’re known as “intensifiers” — they amplify adjectives, verbs, or other adverbs. They’re perfectly acceptable in everyday English, but when used on repeat, they can make your words seem vague or weak.

Often, the simplest solution is to replace them with a better intensifier. Instead of saying, “I’m really confused,” try “utterly,” “thoroughly,” or “extremely.” Each option carries a slightly different tone, so the best choice depends on your audience and intent.

It’s worth noting, however, that not every word benefits from a modifier. In some cases, it’s better to forgo one altogether, as exemplified by the common redundancy “very unique.” “Unique”” already implies one of a kind — you can eliminate the intensifier.

This illustrates another point: You don’t need an intensifier if you choose a stronger adjective or adverb, though this requires some creativity. Rather than “really big,” consider “huge,” “gigantic,” or “enormous.” Similarly, “very good” can be elevated to “excellent” or “outstanding,” and “very quietly” might be better said as “silently” or  “stealthily,” depending on your intention. This approach feels more deliberate and less reliant on filler words.

By exploring these alternatives, you can make your writing (and your speech) truly, madly, deeply engaging and more memorable.