How to use the word "Really"?

[ngoc_lan]

Is "really" an informal word? And "very" is formal?
Is "really" popular in the UK, or the US, or both?

We can't say: "I very love him" but can say: "I really love him", right?

We say: "I don't really like coffee" or "I really don't like coffee"? If both of them are correct, are thier meanings difference?

[Barb_D]

I don't really like... You don't like it, but perhaps you don't dislike it.
I really don't like ... You strongly dislike it.

[ngoc_lan]

Thanks. But I have some questions left. Someone please help me

[5jj]

Is "really" an informal word? It's not really informal.
And is "very" is formal? It's not really formal.
Is "really" popular in the UK, or the US, or both? It's pretty common in BrE. I don't know about AmE.

We can't say: "I very love him" but can say: "I really love him", right? Yes. You can say, "i love him very much/dearly".

5

[ngoc_lan]

Thanks a lot. Seems that I don't know much about English. I hope you will help me more in the future.

[TheParser]

[QUOTE=ngoc_lan;836006]Is "really" an informal word?
Is "really" popular in the the US

We can't say: "I very love him" but can say: "I really love him", right?

We say: "I don't really like coffee" or "I really don't like coffee"? If both of them are correct, are thier meanings difference?



NOT A TEACHER


(1) That word is my favorite word, really! (= I am telling you the truth)

(2) May I add a few words to the excellent answers from the two moderators?

(3) Yes, "really" is a very popular word in the United States. In fact, some

writing teachers tell us NOT to use it so much.

(4) One moderator has already explained your "coffee" sentence. Let me give

you another one. Let's say a man visits your country. Let's say that he learned

a few words and sentences of your native language. So when the man arrives in

your country, he says "How are you?" in your language:

You: I see that you speak Vietnamese.

The man: Oh, I do not really speak Vietnamese. ( = Yes, I know a few words and

sentences, but that is all. Nothing more.)

You: I do not believe you. I think that you really (actually/in fact) speak Vietnamese.


The man: I really do not speak it. ( = Believe me!) (You could also say: Really,

I do not speak it.)

(5) I am really (= very) happy that you want to understand this word. Check all the dictionaries

on the Web and you will get lots of good examples.

(6) One last point: Sometimes you will hear native speakers say something like:

Usingenglish.com is a real good place to learn English.

Please remember the correct English is: really good. (= very good)

P.S. If you have more questions about "really," please post them here.

Many people will be really happy to answer you. Really!

[ngoc_lan]

Thanks. I really hope all of you will help me next time!

[Tdol]

I would not use really in formal writing.