a terribly good

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a terribly good" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is surprisingly or paradoxically good, often with a humorous or ironic tone. Example: "The movie was a terribly good mix of comedy and drama that kept me entertained throughout."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

She was a terribly good singer.

The Guardian - Film

The rebels are not in a terribly good position.

The Economist

Peers are not a terribly good embodiment of public opinion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Being a smart child isn't a terribly good predictor of success in later life, they conclude.

The New Yorker

"I don't see it as a terribly good merger," says Mr Rashtchy.

The Economist

The problem, I think, is that I'm not a terribly good writer.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

However, another Philadelphia Inquirer review said that the song was "a not terribly good version of Jules Shear's terribly good [song]." Richard Harrington of The Washington Post believed that it was her most reflective song.

Wikipedia

Take a book (have you read the Alcestis? I'm told it's terribly good), a flask of tea and preferably a tent on the safe assumption that it will be worth the wait.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Elsewhere, less soberly he noted: "God's a super-director /who's terribly good at crowd scenes".

The Guardian - Books

I do not think that I'm terribly good as a categorical representative of heterospeciesists or any particular class.

Vice

JG: He spoke terribly good English for a Russian.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a terribly good" to express a high degree of approval, especially when you want to add a touch of irony or understatement to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a terribly good" when you actually mean something is terrible. The word "terribly" acts as an intensifier here, meaning "very", not "awful."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a terribly good" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to express a high degree of quality or approval. It uses the adverb "terribly" as an intensifier, similar to "very" or "extremely". Ludwig examples show its common usage across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Books

10%

Lifestyle

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a terribly good" is a common and acceptable way to express strong approval. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is grammatically correct and frequently found in various contexts, particularly in news and media. Although "terribly" might seem negative, it functions as an intensifier in this phrase, similar to "very". Be mindful to use it to express approval, not the opposite. Related phrases include "a remarkably fine" and "an exceptionally great". With a high expert rating, the phrase demonstrates consistent and reliable usage across diverse scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a remarkably fine

Emphasizes the outstanding quality in a more formal tone.

an exceptionally great

Highlights the superior quality, using a more intense adjective.

a surprisingly positive

Focuses on the unexpected aspect of the goodness.

a wonderfully pleasant

Stresses the delightful or agreeable nature of something.

a genuinely excellent

Underscores the authenticity and high standard.

a strikingly superb

Highlights the impressive or noticeable nature of the quality.

an impressively adequate

Highlights the sufficient quality and effectiveness of something.

a positively brilliant

Indicates a high level of intelligence, skill, or success.

a frightfully decent

Uses "frightfully" as an intensifier, similar to "terribly", but maintains a tone of approval.

a seriously awesome

Conveys a sense of awe or amazement.

FAQs

What does "a terribly good" mean?

The phrase "a terribly good" means something is very good. The adverb "terribly" is used as an intensifier, similar to "very" or "extremely."

How can I use "a terribly good" in a sentence?

You can use "a terribly good" to describe something of high quality or approval. For example, "That was "a terribly good performance"!" or "He's "a terribly good person"."

Which phrases are similar to "a terribly good"?

Alternatives to "a terribly good" include "a very good", "a remarkably fine", or "an exceptionally great" depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is "a terribly good" formal or informal?

The phrase "a terribly good" is generally considered neutral in register. It can be used in both informal and formal contexts, although it is slightly less common in very formal settings. You can adapt it depending on the context of your situation and your audience.