Remarkable vs Very impressive

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Remarkable

Top 2,000 (common)B2adjective

Very impressive

Top 2,000 (common)
 RemarkableVery impressive
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈmɑːkəbl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪˈmɑːrkəbl/"]/🇬🇧 //ˈvɛri ɪmˈprɛsɪv//🇺🇸 //ˈvɛri ɪmˈprɛsɪv//
MeaningVery special or unusual, worth noticing.Amazing and makes a strong positive impression.
ExampleThe scientist made a remarkable discovery that changed the field forever.The performance was very impressive, leaving the audience in awe.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR levelB2-
Part of speechadjective
Collocationsbe, seem, absolutely, just, most, forvery impressive performance, very impressive result, very impressive achievement, very impressive skills, very impressive design
Antonymsordinary, unremarkable, mundane-
Common mistakesConfused with 'remarkable' and 'notable', which have subtle differences in connotation., Using 'remarkable' in a negative context, which doesn't fit its positive meaning., Overusing it; it can sound exaggerated if used too frequently.Using 'very impressive' with nouns instead of adjectives., Confusing 'impressive' with 'impressed' - 'very impressive' describes something, not a feeling., Overusing 'very' when 'extremely' or 'really' might be better.
Usage notesUse 'remarkable' to describe something that is impressive, surprising, or extraordinary. It is neutral in tone, so it can be used in most contexts, including both spoken and written language. Avoid using it in overly casual conversations where simpler terms may suffice.Use 'very impressive' in both written and spoken English to express admiration. It's suitable for formal and informal contexts.

See it in real clips

Remarkable
Very impressive

Frequently asked questions: Remarkable vs Very impressive

What's the difference between Remarkable and Very impressive?

Remarkable: Very special or unusual, worth noticing. Very impressive: Amazing and makes a strong positive impression.

Can you show an example of each?

Remarkable: The scientist made a remarkable discovery that changed the field forever. Very impressive: The performance was very impressive, leaving the audience in awe.

Can I use Remarkable and Very impressive interchangeably?

Not always. Remarkable and Very impressive are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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