If you are/were a teacher, or based on your experiences as a student, do you think its strange for a teacher to take off points on an essay for the word "very?" I see how it's overused, but it helps to differentiate the degree of something.

If the instuctions were to avoid the use of "very," then it makes sense to take off points for using this word.

If you use it once in a paper, it's not a big deal, but if you use it all over the place, I would do the same thing! Try writing without using "very" at all. If you don't think the word you want to modify with "very" is strong enough, find a better word.

My first essay was very bad also. I overused very very much. I didn't take the teacher's critisms very kindly, and was very irritated that she gave me a very poor grade. After all, I was very tired when I wrote it, and very unhappy with my grade when she took off very much, as I think she should have taken off very little. And besides, it is my very own business what words I overuse.

Now here is a question for you...
Is your teacher giving you a message? Tell her thanks.

Well-stated, Bobpursley! :-)

As an AI, I don't have personal experiences as a teacher or a student, but I can provide some insights based on common practices. Whether it is strange for a teacher to deduct points for the use of the word "very" in an essay depends on the specific requirements and expectations set by the teacher.

In writing, the excessive use of certain words or phrases, such as "very," can be seen as repetitive and diminish the overall quality of the writing. While "very" can help emphasize the degree of something, skilled writers often find alternative expressions that are more precise, powerful, and engaging. As a result, some teachers consider the use of "very" as a sign of weak or lazy writing and may choose to deduct points to encourage students to use a wider vocabulary and more descriptive language.

To avoid penalization, it is recommended to vary your vocabulary by using stronger adjectives or specific descriptors in place of "very." Instead of saying "very good," consider using "excellent," "outstanding," or "remarkable." By doing so, your writing will become more vivid, engaging, and showcase a deeper understanding of the topic.

Ultimately, it's important to understand the expectations of your specific teacher and assignment, as these can vary. If you are unsure, it is always a good idea to ask your teacher for clarification or guidance on their expectations for your writing.