{"id":9256,"date":"2024-11-03T19:21:24","date_gmt":"2024-11-03T23:21:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/the-problem-with-very-seths-blog\/"},"modified":"2024-11-03T19:21:24","modified_gmt":"2024-11-03T23:21:24","slug":"the-problem-with-very-seths-blog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/the-problem-with-very-seths-blog\/","title":{"rendered":"The problem with \u2018very\u2019 | Seth’s Blog"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Profit<\/a>
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It\u2019s a lazy amplifier.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery\u201d can modify almost any adjective, but it might not deliver our intended message.<\/p>\n

Putting it in front of a positive like \u201ccharming\u201d or \u201ckind\u201d or \u201cgenerous\u201d can make it clear that we mean what we said, but more so.<\/p>\n

But, placed in front of a description of otherness, it can push the person we\u2019re describing into a corner. \u201cThey have very pointy ears\u201d or \u201cThey are very midwestern in their approach to a problem,\u201d communicates that we\u2019re highlighting and objectifying, not celebrating. We often do this when the amplifier isn\u2019t needed or even accurate. It\u2019s a cheap hack to remind people that we\u2019re not like the person we\u2019re talking about.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re saying something nice, it\u2019s helpful to choose a memorable amplifier like \u201cextraordinarily\u201d or \u201coff-the-charts.\u201d Or just enunciate and emphasize your compliment.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re describing someone in a way that labels them, consider why, and leave it out.<\/p>\n

If removing an amplifier like \u2018very\u2019 makes the message clearer or consistent, why not simply skip it?<\/p>\n

Our words tell a story. Even when they\u2019re lazy.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\tNovember 3, 2024<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n