45 ways to avoid using the word "very"

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Freeguy

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Oct 4, 2013
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I need your confirmation.
 
It's not bad, but this could be expanded to hundreds of other possibilities. I don't understand the point.
 
No, several at least are wrong. Something can be "very hot" without being 'scalding' since scalding applies specifically to burns from liquids.
Something that is "very cold" is not necessarily 'freezing'. I wouldn't take it too literally.
 
Not a teacher

It really can help to expand our vocabulary. I haven't heard a couple of words, so I should learn them.
Although I totaly agree with Raymott that "very hot" doesn't mean "scalding".
 
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I don't see any difference between "quick" and "fast" so "very quick" doesn't mean "fast."
You can be "very good" without being "superb."
And anxious is less extreme than "worried" so "very worried" is not anxious.

Still there are good vocabulary words, as noted above.
 
The idea that these can simply be used to replace the very + adjective combinations in all contexts is wrong- an espresso is a cup of very strong coffee, but not unyielding. Also, the idea that we should always be looking for ways to avoid saying very + adjective is questionable. Anything can be overused and it can be useful to have some alternative ways of saying something, but this list could generate errors as well as a few decent alternatives.
 
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