Words instead of very can make your English instantly clearer, more natural, and more powerful. Fluent speakers rarely say “very + adjective.” They choose a stronger single word: exhausted (not very tired), thrilled (not very happy), spotless (not very clean).
This guide gives you quick swaps, example sentences, and a 1-minute drill so you can stop overusing very and start sounding confident in real conversations.
When you catch yourself about to say “very + adjective,” pause and choose words instead of very. Keep a tiny bank of favourites and practise them out loud for one minute a day. Here are reliable swaps you can use today:
Why this works. One precise adjective carries more meaning than “very + adjective,” so your message becomes shorter, clearer, and easier to process. As you keep choosing words instead of very, your vocabulary grows and your rhythm sounds more fluent.
Pro tip: Write a shortlist of words instead of very in your notes (e.g., exhausted, starving, furious, spotless, gorgeous, hilarious). Check it before calls or presentations until the habit sticks.
Check more synonyms in the Cambridge Thesaurus, then practice with real people. Explore our Programs or try General English for Adults to build natural vocabulary for everyday conversations.
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