Overuse of the word “very” / Assoc. Prof. Dr. Soo Kum Yoke

• Main Author: Soo, Kum Yoke
• Format: Monograph
• Language: English
• Published: Academy of Language Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA Negeri Sembilan Branch, Rembau Campus 2023
• Subjects: Language and education
• Online Access: https://ir.uitm.edu.my/id/eprint/104297/1/104297.pdf; https://ir.uitm.edu.my/id/eprint/104297/

We commonly use the word “very” in our daily speech. Sometimes, we overuse this word. “Very” is an intensifier without any real meaning. Many inexperienced users of English use “very” to add power to their language. “Very” and “really” are qualifiers that are known as padding or filler words. Collins Dictionary explains that these are unnecessary words used to make a piece of writing or a speech longer. This is said to weaken your writing or speech. So, instead of using the word “very” in your daily speech next time, what can you use? Here are some words you can try to use instead of “very.”