So avoid using the word “very” because it’s lazy. A man is not very tired, he is exhausted. Don’t use very sad, use morose. Language was invented for one reason, boys — to woo women — and, in that endeavour, laziness will not do. It also won’t do in your essays. — Robin Williams as Professor Keating, Dead Poets Society

When it comes to producing creative writing, the quote above could not be truer (mainly the part highlighting there's no place for laziness in essays). Like it or not, regardless if you’re an amateur or a professional writer, it’s important to switch up your vocabulary so that your readers don’t get bored when reading your work.

So, if you’re guilty of constantly using the word “very” when you write, it’s time to end that habit and level up your English writing game! Using it too often can make your sentences sound rather vague and uninteresting. Besides, why bother using “very” when there are thousands of other words in the English language, which you can use to make your writing sound more descriptive and fun to read.

Ready to improve your vocabulary? Avoid using the word “very” to describe by opting for these smarter alternatives instead.

#1. Very afraid

• Fearful
• Intimidated
• Petrified
• Terrified

#2. Very angry

• Furious
• Irate
• Incensed
• Outraged
• Fuming

#3. Very big

• Massive
• Colossal
• Gigantic
• Enormous
• Hefty

#4. Very beautiful

• Stunning
• Ravishing
• Gorgeous
• Alluring
• Charming

#5. Very boring

• Insipid
• Banal
• Monotonous
• Bland
• Mundane

#6. Very busy

• Swamped
• Occupied
• Overloaded
• Buried
• Engaged

#7. Very confused

• Perplexed
• Confounded
• Baffled
• Puzzled
• Bewildered

#8. Very excited

• Exhilarated
• Eager
• Thrilled
• Keen
• Enthusiastic

#9. Very good

• Excellent
• Marvellous
• Fantastic
• Superb
• Wonderful

#10. Very handsome

• Charming
• Dashing
• Suave
• Grand

#11. Very happy

• Ecstatic
• Elated
• Euphoric
• Jubilant
• Delighted

#12. Very hard

• Difficult
• Challenging
• Trying
• Arduous
• Demanding

#13. Very loud

• Thunderous
• Earsplitting
• Deafening
• Boisterous
• Blaring

#14. Very nice

• Pleasant
• Lovely
• Well done
• Swell
• Delightful

#15. Very old

• Ancient
• Archaic
• Dilapidated
• Battered
• Aged

#16. Very sad

• Depressed
• Despondent
• Crestfallen
• Distraught
• Dejected

#17. Very small

• Miniature
• Teeny
• Miniscule
• Minute
• Petite

#18. Very sorry

• Apologetic
• Contrite
• Remorseful
• Repentant

#19. Very special

• Exceptional
• Extraordinary
• Outstanding
• Exclusive
• Distinguished

#20. Very serious

• Grave
• Urgent
• Crucial
• Severe
• Dire

#21. Very stupid

• Foolish
• Idiotic
• Inane
• Ignorant
• Vacuous

#22. Very surprised

• Bewildered
• Stunned
• Astounded
• Dumbfounded
• Flabbergasted

#23. Very tired

• Exhausted
• Taxed
• Weary
• Jaded
• Fatigued

#24. Very ugly

• Hideous
• Grotesque
• Unsightly
• Awful
• Dreadful

#25. Very smart

• Sage
• Knowledgeable
• Ingenious
• Brilliant
• Wise

#26. Very worried

• Concerned
• Distressed
• Troubled
• Bothered
• Anxious

As you can see, there are so many other words you can use to be more descriptive in your writing or even when speaking. To help you out, you can use sites like Thesaurus.com to look for more synonyms. All the best!

Need some tips to improve your English grammar? Check out these common grammatical mistakes people make.