very should be made to pay its way in sentences. Too often it is used where it adds nothing to sense {'It was a very tragic death'}, or is inserted in a futile effort to prop up a weak word that would be better replaced by something with more punch {'The play was very good'}.
by Bill Bryson
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In "Troublesome Words," Bill Bryson discusses the overuse of the word "very" in English writing. He argues that this adverb often fails to enhance clarity or meaning in a sentence. For instance, phrases like "It was a very tragic death" do not provide any additional value, as the word 'tragic' already conveys strong emotions.
Additionally, Bryson suggests that "very" is sometimes used to support weak adjectives that could be replaced with stronger, more effective alternatives. For example, instead of saying "The play was very good," a writer might choose a descriptor like "excellent" or "outstanding," which would better convey their impression. This shift could lead to more impactful and vivid writing.
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