“Substitute ‘damn’ every time you’re inclined to write ‘very;’ your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.” —Mark Twain “
‘Very’ is the most useless word in the English language and can always come out. More than useless, it is treacherous because it invariably weakens what it is intended to strengthen.”—Florence King
“So avoid using the word ‘very’ because it’s lazy. A man is not very tired, he is exhausted. Don’t use very sad, use morose…” — Dead Poets Society
Adding “very” isn’t the best way to attempt to augment or fortify a limp word. Just use a fortified word such as: clever, spotless, vulgar, ecstatic, perilous, destitute, idiotic, furious, ravenous, and dazzling. Stephen King isn’t a fan of “very,” either. Consider eliminating it from your speaking and writing. Yes, you may find yourself reaching for some of your vocabulary that has been gathering dust. Do it!
Take this QUIZ and see if you’re ready to write the book that is inside you.
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