Learn English Vocabulary - Very vs. Really

Sep 18, 2022
English Vocabulary Lessons

Introduction

Welcome to NJCLT's comprehensive English lesson on the differences between 'very' and 'really.' This article aims to provide you with a detailed understanding of these two commonly used adverbs and help improve your English language proficiency.

The Usage of 'Very'

When it comes to expressing intensity, the adverb 'very' is often used. It is used to emphasize the degree or extent of something. 'Very' intensifies the meaning of an adjective or adverb and creates a stronger impact. Let's explore some examples:

  • She is very happy to receive the award.
  • That was a very interesting movie.
  • The weather is very hot today.

The Usage of 'Really'

'Really' is another adverb used to convey a higher level of intensity or emphasis. It is synonymous with 'truly' or 'genuinely.' The primary difference between 'really' and 'very' lies in their level of intensity. While 'very' signifies a high degree, 'really' goes a step further to express certainty or truthfulness. Consider the following examples:

  • Are you really going to the party tonight?
  • He is really tired after a long day at work.
  • 'The Lion King' is a really captivating musical.

Usage in Adjectives and Adverbs

Both 'very' and 'really' can be used before adjectives and adverbs to intensify their meaning. However, it's important to note that 'very' is more commonly used in this context. Let's take a closer look:

Using 'Very':

  • He is very tall for his age.
  • She was very late for the meeting.
  • I'm very interested in learning new languages.

Using 'Really':

  • That was a really fast car.
  • She is really good at playing the guitar.
  • I'm really sorry for my mistake.

Comparing Similarities and Differences

While both 'very' and 'really' can intensify adjectives and adverbs, it's essential to understand their distinctions. Here are the primary differences between the two:

1. Level of Intensity:

'Very' conveys a high degree or intensity, whereas 'really' emphasizes certainty or truthfulness.

2. Common Usage:

'Very' is more commonly used in everyday language, while 'really' tends to be used in more formal or emphatic contexts.

3. Synonyms:

While 'very' has fewer synonyms, 'really' can be interchangeably used with words like 'truly,' 'genuinely,' or 'absolutely.'

Practice Exercises

To reinforce your understanding, let's practice using 'very' and 'really' in sentences. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate adverb:

1. I am ________ tired today after the long hike.

2. The baby is ________ cute with those big blue eyes.

3. She was ________ excited about her vacation.

Answers:

1. really

2. very

3. very

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully learned the difference between 'very' and 'really.' Remember to use 'very' to express a high degree of intensity and 'really' to emphasize certainty or truthfulness. Practice using both in your everyday conversations to enhance your English language skills.

Thank you for choosing NJCLT as your partner in English language learning. Stay tuned for more engaging and comprehensive lessons.

Scott Raynes
It's crucial for English learners to comprehend the subtleties of these adverbs. This article does a great job at that.
Nov 9, 2023
Vince Demaio
English is not my first language, so this breakdown of 'very' and 'really' is incredibly helpful for me. Thank you!
Oct 21, 2023
Jeremy Lindsey
Useful lesson, thank you!
Oct 18, 2023
Megan Murray
This information is invaluable for ESL learners. Clear and well-explained!
Oct 18, 2023
Jon Renner
Great explanation! ? This lesson is extremely helpful for improving English proficiency.
Oct 7, 2023
Felipe Valls
I've always struggled with these adverbs, but the examples provided in the article have made it much clearer. Thank you!
Aug 1, 2023
Abb Techniker
I've always struggled to understand when to use 'very' and 'really'. This article has cleared up my confusion. Thanks!
Jul 25, 2023
Renee Haley
This article is so useful! I appreciate the clear explanations and examples provided.
Jul 16, 2023
Tonya Ashman
I've bookmarked this article for future reference. It's great to have a resource to turn to when I need a quick reminder on 'very' and 'really.'
Jun 29, 2023
Kathy Byrd
English is not my first language, so understanding the subtleties of 'very' and 'really' is incredibly valuable to me. Thank you for this insightful article.
May 18, 2023
Kristin Roberts
This article is a game-changer for me. I feel much more equipped to use 'very' and 'really' appropriately in my English conversations now.
Apr 22, 2023
Princess O'Donnell
Great explanation of the differences between 'very' and 'really'. Thanks for the helpful insights!
Apr 4, 2023
Swathi Dharshna
Thanks for this helpful lesson on using 'very' and 'really' correctly. I often get confused about when to use each.
Mar 13, 2023
John Phaneuf
The usage of 'very' and 'really' has always been a bit tricky for me, but this article has made it much clearer. Thank you!
Mar 12, 2023
Steve Kidd
I never realized there was such a difference between 'very' and 'really.' Thanks for shedding light on this!
Mar 12, 2023
James Leach
I've never thought about the difference between 'very' and 'really' before reading this article. Thank you for the clarification!
Feb 7, 2023
Nancy Linder
I've been learning English for a while, and this article has definitely cleared up some confusion I had about using 'very' and 'really.'
Jan 27, 2023
Paul Kerridge
I appreciate the detailed breakdown of 'very' and 'really'. It's really beneficial for learners.
Jan 11, 2023
Christoph Friedl
I've been using 'very' and 'really' interchangeably, but now I understand the nuances. Helpful article! ?
Dec 24, 2022
Mike Moore
The article provides a concise comparison of 'very' and 'really'. I found it very useful.
Nov 21, 2022
Samuel Perillat
I struggle with understanding the nuances of English, so I'm grateful for articles like this that break it down in a simple way.
Nov 13, 2022
Rekisha Poeseo
Learning about the differences between 'very' and 'really' has improved my confidence in using English effectively.
Nov 7, 2022
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