ESL Discussion

Dear members of MyEC.

We often use really and very to emphasize, to intensify our statements.

But, do we really use them always correctly?

Can we use and interchange "really" and "very" anytime we want?

Let's see!

1. Really and very, used as Adverbs.

1.1:     "Really" as an adverb is used to describe adjectives, verbs or other adverbs.

              E.g.: I really love my job. (really describes a verb) √

                        This cake is really delicious. (really describes an adjective) √

                        He sings really loudly. (really describes an adverb) √

1.2.  "Very" as an adverb is used to describe adjectives or other adverbs. (But NOT verbs!)

            E.g.: This cake is very delicious. (adjective) √

                      He sings very loudly. (adverb) √

                      I very love my job. X This is wrong because "love" is a verb, and “very” can not be used to describe verbs!

2.     "Really" can be used as an Exclamation.

          We can use "really" to express interest, surprise, or doubt.

          E.g.: A says: "I am very good at playing the piano."

                    B says: " Really?"

        "Really" can also mean ‘actually’, ‘truly’ or ‘indeed.’

          E.g.: Really, this day was too tiring for me.

                    I enjoyed being with you, really.

3.     "Very" can be used as an Adjective in combination with nouns. Then it means ‘actual,’ ‘precise’ or ‘exact.’

           E.g.: We did not have a good relationship at the very beginning.

                     At the very time, we did not have any children yet.

Let's practice!

Complete the following sentences with really, very,...or both.

1. I ................ enjoy learning a new language.

2. How nice is it to have a ................ good partner?

3. She is ................ good at reading.

4. I had to wait until the ................ end of the meeting.

5. I ................ want to learn to drive a car.

6. I ................ enjoy music events.

7. I don’t ................ like Horror movies so much.

8. I find some tasks ................ boring.

9. I sat with him at the ................ back of the bus.

10. I am ................ sorry for being late.

11. I’m busy at the moment. ................?

12. She ................ makes her work seem easy.

13. They made me feel at home from the ................ beginning.

14. I ................ love my family!

15. They ................ put a lot of effort into a new project.

16. They arrived at this ................ moment.

17. The admission fee was ................ high.

18. The salaries aren't ................ high at the ................. beginning of a new job.

19. There are not many women at the ................ top of the companies.

20. Make sure students follow the rules from the ................ beginning.

Good Luck!