Really vs. Very

Attribute	Really	Very
Intensity	Stronger	Weaker
Usage	Informal	Formal
Emphasis	Emphasizes truth	Emphasizes degree
Adverb	Adverb	Adverb

Definition

Both "really" and "very" are adverbs that are used to intensify the meaning of an adjective or adverb in a sentence. However, they are not interchangeable in all contexts. "Really" is often used to emphasize the truth or accuracy of a statement, while "very" is used to emphasize the degree or extent of something.

Usage

One key difference between "really" and "very" is their usage in a sentence. "Really" is typically used before an adjective or adverb to emphasize the truth or accuracy of a statement. For example, "I am really tired" emphasizes the speaker's level of exhaustion. On the other hand, "very" is used before an adjective or adverb to emphasize the degree or extent of something. For example, "I am very tired" emphasizes the intensity of the speaker's fatigue.

Intensity

When it comes to intensity, "really" is often considered to be stronger than "very." The use of "really" in a sentence indicates a high level of emphasis or intensity. For example, "I am really hungry" conveys a sense of extreme hunger. On the other hand, "very" is considered to be a more moderate intensifier. For example, "I am very hungry" conveys a strong feeling of hunger, but not to the same extreme degree as "really hungry."

Emphasis

Another difference between "really" and "very" is the type of emphasis they provide in a sentence. "Really" is often used to provide emphasis on the truth or accuracy of a statement. For example, "I really love chocolate" emphasizes the speaker's genuine affection for chocolate. On the other hand, "very" is used to provide emphasis on the degree or extent of something. For example, "I love chocolate very much" emphasizes the intensity of the speaker's love for chocolate.

Colloquial Usage

In colloquial usage, "really" and "very" can sometimes be used interchangeably, especially in informal conversations. However, there are still subtle differences in their meanings. "Really" is often used to express surprise or disbelief, as in "Did that really happen?" On the other hand, "very" is used to emphasize the degree or extent of something, as in "I am very excited about the upcoming trip."

Common Mistakes

One common mistake that people make is using "really" when they should use "very" and vice versa. It's important to pay attention to the context in which these words are used to ensure that the intended meaning is conveyed accurately. For example, saying "I am really happy" when you mean to convey a high level of happiness may not be as effective as saying "I am very happy."

Conclusion

In conclusion, while "really" and "very" are both adverbs used to intensify the meaning of an adjective or adverb in a sentence, they have distinct differences in their usage, intensity, emphasis, and colloquial usage. Understanding these differences can help you use these words effectively in your writing and communication. Remember to pay attention to the context in which these words are used to ensure that you convey your intended meaning accurately.