Differences between "very" and "very much" as adjective modifiers?

Question

The following examples are clearly wrong: > × I am very much tired > × She is very much clever But the following sounds fine (at least according to [OALD](http://oald8.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/dictionary/very_1)): > I am very much afraid that ... > I am very much aware of ... Worse, the following sounds awkward to me: > × I am very aware of ... I wonder some sound ok while the others do not. Does it have to do with the type of adjectives being used? Or is there a subtle nuance between "very" and "very much"? Is "very much" the same as "extremely" (I would guess not, at least in the "afraid" example)? When should/can one use "very much", as opposed to "very"? Are there differences between spoken and written uses?

Answer 1

Good question. I had to check my usage reference on this one.

Strictly speaking (and by “strictly” I’m talking about arch-conservative, early twentieth-century reference books) “very much” was used with adjectives formed from past participles (disappointed, changed, satisfied, etc.)

He was very much disappointed by that decision.

I am very much pleased with your work.

(I assume that afraid may have been mixed into this category at one point because of its final letter. It feels like a past participle even if it’s not.)

All other adjectives would use the single word “very” as an intensifier. Very rich, very cute, etc.

There was no difference in the meaning between “very” and “very much” in this context.

All that said, this distinction is now considered outdated in American usage, except perhaps in the most formal contexts. My usage reference book suggested “quite” as a substitute for “very much” if you’re unsure what to use.