The ManicaPost
Morris Mtisi
Many people who use the English Language for whatever purpose often cover –up their inability to choose the best adjective by using VERY ‘something’. For example they say, ‘Very afraid’ instead of terrified, or ‘Very happy’ instead of jubilant, and ‘Very rude’ instead of insolent, very nice food, instead of delicious, scrumptious, delectable, appetizing, mouth-watering food. They use very thin woman instead of a scrawny, gaunt, skinny, skeletal, bony woman. The list goes on and on.
Your command or proficiency in the use of English Language is determined by your choice of words.
It is not, please note, the size or sound of the word that matters but the appropriateness and power of expression or meaning conveyed by a particular word. Today I am talking about the power/ the effectiveness of good ADJECTIVES as opposed to weak ones propped up by VERY… Some writers or speakers think VERY makes a poor adjective stronger.
Some, especially in speech, go to an extent of multiplying the VERY or stringing them together.
The day was very very hot. Others speakers will not hesitate to string three VERYs.
The day was very very very hot. On their mind the number of times the adjective is repeated the more powerful the expression becomes. It does not work like that in English. No matter how many times the day is very hot, the temperature cannot be said to have intensified.
A very ugly person does not become uglier when you describe him or her as, “Very very very ugly.”
I know it sounds like the ugliness is intensifying with each VERY, but not so in English language.
You need a strong adjective to convey a clearer picture or interpretation of sense or meaning. VERY…will keep your description simple. A strong adjective will enhance your descriptive detail.
Let me illustrate my point with a few examples.
For ‘very angry’ use furious.
For ‘very big’ use immense/enormous/ formidable/ huge.
For ‘very bright’ use brilliant/ sparkling
For ‘very clever’ use brilliant/ intelligent
For ‘very cold’ use freezing.
For ‘very heavy use ponderous.
For ‘very clean’ use spotless.
For ‘very capable’ use efficient.
For ‘very fierce use ferocious.
For ‘very hot ‘ use scalding
For ‘very fast’ use fleet.
For ‘very keen’ use zealous
For ‘very large’ use colossal/ huge.
For ‘very serious” use solemn.
For ‘very lively’ use vivacious
For ‘very neat’ use immaculate.
For ‘very poor’ use penniless/destitute
For ‘very weak’ use feeble.
For ‘very ugly’ use hideous.
For ‘very wicked’ use villainous.
For ‘very roomy’ use spacious.
For ‘very quiet’ use tranquil.
For ‘very tasty’ use delicious.
For ‘very valuable’ use precious.
For ‘very thin” use gaunt.
For ‘very stupid’ use idiotic.
For ‘very small’ use tiny/ minuscule/minute.
For ‘very strong’ use potent.
For ‘very dry’ use parched.
For ‘very wise’ use sagacious.
This is a Thesaurus of sorts, do you realize? It can be a useful exercise to practice in class with your pupils, teachers, and please extend the list. You will enjoy the fun of using strong / powerful adjectives (not BIG words) to enhance your speech or writing.
A Thesaurus is a word-power-house, a dictionary giving lists of word options rather than meanings of words. The word ‘Thesaurus’ means ‘a treasury’ or ‘treasure house of knowledge.’
There is no better method of raising your language levels than use of a Thesaurus.
If you have no ready-made or published Thesauruses, you can easily design or make one for your own class. If this is not clear enough, feel free to call me or invite me to your school to workshop you on this and other forms of English Language Craftsmanship. Catch me on 0773 883 293 (also WhatsApp) or email> [email protected]
