a terrible effect

USAGE SUMMARY

"a terrible effect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a negative result or outcome, typically of an action or event. Example sentence: The hurricane had a terrible effect on the coastal town, leaving its citizens without homes and jobs.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

It has a terrible effect".

The Guardian

That's had a terrible effect on global public health.

The Guardian - Books

"That has a terrible effect on our unity as Christians.

The Guardian

"This damages our national image and has a terrible effect".

The New York Times

This will have a terrible effect on moral, Burnham says.

The Guardian

This has a terrible effect on the otherwise stimulating feel of interactivity.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

The hypothesis that a terrible event might cause effects other than those merely physical was developed in the 1860's, with the description of the "Railroad Spinal Syndrome" by John Eric Erichsen [ 15].

BMC Psychiatry

But among human-rights activists (and a growing number of Olympic fans), his polices are seen as having a real, and terrible, effect on gay-rights crusaders in Russia, who have been harassed, arrested, and beaten.

The New Yorker

In his witness statement, Gascoigne added: "The most difficult and damaging thing was being convinced for years that I was being bugged in some way, which had a far more terrible effect on my mind, even though I also thought that my friends and family were leaking information about me".

Independent

There are a few terrible effects due to monetary restraints and a very corny matte shot at the end when the character Dick Jones falls out of the window, but I think it holds up strangely well compared to most.

Vice

'The Hum still has a terrible draining effect.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use stronger verbs to emphasize the impact. For example, instead of "had a terrible effect", consider "devastated" or "crippled" to convey a more vivid image.

Common error

Avoid using "a terrible effect" without providing specific details about the consequences. Vague statements can weaken the impact of your writing. Instead, describe the specific negative outcomes to make your point more convincing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a terrible effect" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is grammatically sound and denotes an adverse outcome. It often identifies the negative consequences of a specific action or event.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a terrible effect" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a significantly negative outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively conveys the adverse consequences of actions or events, primarily in news, formal business, and scientific contexts. While frequently used, it's crucial to provide context and details to specify the impact. Alternatives like "a devastating impact" or "a dire consequence" can be used for variety. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a devastating impact

Emphasizes the destructive nature of the effect, suggesting widespread damage or harm.

a dire consequence

Highlights the severity and potential for long-term negative outcomes.

a catastrophic outcome

Indicates a disastrous result, often with irreversible or far-reaching effects.

a damaging repercussion

Focuses on the harmful results that follow an action or event.

an adverse impact

Suggests a negative influence or effect, often in a formal or technical context.

a harmful consequence

Highlights the detrimental nature of the result, focusing on the harm caused.

a negative influence

Indicates a downward pull, subtly altering behavior or beliefs for the worse.

a serious fallout

Implies widespread and often unforeseen negative consequences.

a grave impact

Stresses the seriousness and importance of the negative effect.

a regrettable result

Acknowledges the undesirable nature of the outcome and the associated disappointment.

FAQs

How can I use "a terrible effect" in a sentence?

You can use "a terrible effect" to describe the negative consequences of an action or event. For example: "The oil spill had a terrible effect on the marine ecosystem."

What are some alternatives to "a terrible effect"?

You can use alternatives like "a devastating impact", "a dire consequence", or "a harmful consequence" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a terrible effect on"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The preposition "on" is often used to indicate what or whom is being affected, like in the sentence: "The policy had a terrible effect on small businesses."

What's the difference between "a terrible effect" and "a terrible impact"?

While similar, "a terrible effect" generally refers to the outcome or result, whereas "a terrible impact" often refers to the force or influence. The phrases are often interchangeable, but "impact" can sometimes suggest a more immediate or forceful influence.