Ah, if I had a dollar for every time I’ve had to remove “very” from a manuscript, I would be a much wealthier woman. It’s such an overused word.
In dialog, using “very” is not an issue, of course. We often speak it, after all. Otherwise, unless it really needs to be there, I generally remove “very” and remind my clients to avoid this adverb as much as possible. Instead of “very happy,” a writer could use “ecstatic.” Here are a couple of quotes I share with my clients on this subject:
“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.” ― N.H. Kleinbaum
“Substitute ‘damn’ every time you’re inclined to write ‘very;’ your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.” ―Mark Twain
I agree with Kleinbaum and Twain/Clemens on this subject. “Very” is a weak word that detracts from the word it modifies rather than adding to it. Consider using a stronger, more meaningful word that requires no modifier. Here are a few possibilities:
very tired: sluggish, lethargic, exhausted
very angry: incensed, irate, infuriated
very intelligent: genius
very wise: sage, enlightened
very fast: swift, racing
very helpful: obliging, accommodating
very caring: solicitous
very sensitive: empathetic, tenderhearted
very peaceful: serene, tranquil
very distressed: distraught, unhinged
very far: distant, remote
very uncertain: unsettled, dubious, ambivalent
very contrary: clashing, antithetical, contrary (Yes, contrary is one of those words that doesn’t need a modifier or a synonym. It’s meaningful enough all on its own.)
When we embrace the use of words that hold deeper meaning or exemplify our intentions, we have the potential to engage readers more fully.