Welcome to Grammar Lesson Monday!
This continuous series will address many common grammar mistakes made in the media and that I've seen more than once. I strive to make the world a better place with good grammar.
Today, we will learn about very.
This lesson is mainly for people who are writing. It applies to novelists as well as students.
Try to keep the use of very to a minimum. Why? Because it is overused and too vague. Take for example the sentence below:
She was very pretty.
It's a common phrase. But what does it mean? How is she pretty? What is it that makes you think she is pretty?
Be specific. You can write about her eyes that sparkle. The gentle curl in her hair. Her soft smile. Her pink lips. Her button nose. Whatever strikes your fancy.
See how very can muck up your writing? Specifics make it more powerful!
That's it for today. Celebrate good grammar!
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