very

The word 'very' is a fundamental adverb in English, used to intensify the meaning of adjectives and other adverbs. It signals a high degree or a significant level of the quality being described. As an A2 level word, it's one of the most common intensifiers learners will encounter and use.

'Very' is almost always placed directly before the word it modifies. It cannot typically modify verbs directly (e.g., 'He runs very'), but it can modify adverbs that describe verbs (e.g., 'He runs very quickly'). It's a versatile intensifier that can be used in a wide range of contexts, from casual conversation to more formal writing, though its impact can sometimes be lessened by overuse.

You'll hear and see 'very' used constantly in everyday speech and writing. Examples include describing feelings ('I'm very happy'), physical states ('The room is very cold'), opinions ('That was a very good movie'), or quantities ('There were very few people'). It's a staple for expressing emphasis in simple statements.

While 'very' is the most common intensifier, other words can be used for similar purposes. 'Really' is a close synonym and often interchangeable, especially in informal contexts ('It was really cold'). 'Extremely' and 'highly' are stronger and often used in more formal or emphatic situations ('She is extremely talented'). 'Quite' can sometimes mean 'very' but can also mean 'somewhat', depending on the context and intonation, making it less straightforward than 'very'.