Instead of
I was very tired after the flight.
Try
“I was exhausted after the flight.”
Why it works
“Exhausted” already contains the “very”. One strong word reads faster than two weak ones.
Tone · Precise · Casual
Say This, Not That · Free
Stop saying “very”
One precise word beats an intensifier plus a vague one.
“Very” isn't wrong, it's just a placeholder for a word you haven't chosen yet. Each replacement below carries its own shade of meaning, so check the note before you swap.
Overused WordsConcise WritingCreative Writing
Instead of · Try · Why it works
Instead of
The deadline is very important.
Try
“The deadline is critical.”
Failure has consequences.
Why it works
“Very important” tells the reader something matters but not how much. Each replacement fixes a different level.
Tone · Strong · Professional · Precise
Instead of
She was very careful with the wording.
Try
“She was meticulous with the wording.”
Careful about detail.
Why it works
Meticulous and cautious are both “very careful”, but about different things. Choosing between them adds information.
Tone · Precise · Precise
Very → one word
Use the note to check the fit. Swapping in a bigger word that doesn't match your meaning is worse than keeping “very”.
very tiredexhausted
Physically drained, not just sleepy.
very hungryravenous
Urgent, almost uncomfortable hunger.
very carefulmeticulous
Careful about detail and accuracy.
very importantcritical
Something fails if it's missed.
very happydelighted
Warm, sociable pleasure, good in writing and speech.
very sadheartbroken
Deep grief, not everyday low mood.
very angryfurious
Loud, visible anger.
very coldfreezing
Everyday exaggeration; “frigid” is for weather reports.
very bigenormous
Size that surprises you.
very smalltiny
Plain and natural; “minuscule” is for writing.
very interestingfascinating
It held your attention completely.
very scaredterrified
Real fear, not mild nerves.
very funnyhilarious
Laugh-out-loud funny.
very cleanspotless
Visibly, impressively clean.
very oldancient
Objects and ideas, rarely people, unless joking.
very quiethushed
A room or a voice that's deliberately low.
very quickrapid
Neutral and factual; “swift” is more literary.
very surecertain
No remaining doubt.
very wetsoaked
Wet through, usually unintentionally.
very expensivecostly
Formal writing; “pricey” is the casual version.
Keep “very” when it's honest
“I'm very happy for you” sounds warmer than “I'm delighted for you” in a text message. Register matters more than word size.
Your turn
No account, no credits, just pick the version that reads better.
Which sentence gives the reader the most information?
You mean careful about accuracy. Which word fits?
Texting a friend about their engagement, which sounds right?
Want help with your own wording?
Better Word helps you find stronger, clearer and more fitting words for what you want to say, free.
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Real-World Practice drops the same decisions into real situations. Free, no credits.
Try Real-World PracticeRelated lessons
Better ways to say “good”
“Good” can mean five different things. Pick the one you mean.
“The film was really good.”
“The film was compelling, I didn't check my phone once.”
Cutting “just”, “really”, “thing” and “said”
Delete the word. Read it again. Usually nothing is missing.
“I just wanted to just quickly check in about the thing we discussed.”
“Checking in about the pricing change we discussed.”
Writing more concisely
Same meaning. Half the words.
“The movie was really good and very interesting.”
“The movie was compelling and unpredictable.”