a terribly nice

USAGE SUMMARY

'a terribly nice' is not a correct or usable phrase in written English.
A better phrase would be 'very nice' or 'extremely nice'. For example, you could write, "I thought it was an extremely nice gesture for him to offer his help."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

He wasn't a terribly nice man.

The Guardian - Arts

Vinci, California, as you might have grasped by now, is not a terribly nice place.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"That's why this work comes as a little bit of a surprise, but it's a terribly nice surprise".

The New York Times

They really are a terribly nice bunch, this lot, but perhaps the nicest and most self-effacing is James Fleet, who in real life still seems to be channelling his character, nice Tom, from Four Weddings.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

These things happen for a reason.' Which is terribly nice of him although I still can't help feeling I really ought to listen to the train announcements a little bit more carefully in the future.

The Guardian

A fine example of how terribly nice children were in the good old days - and how incredibly smug.

Independent

We didn't say the word 'gay' in those days – instead he said: "He's a pansy but he's terribly, terribly nice".

Independent

"Everyone was terribly nice, but they had a completely different background.

The Guardian

It's not terribly nice, but better than an unholy alliance of kimchi and cheese.

Independent

"He's terribly nice," she said, "but he's been a bit U.N.-ized".

The New Yorker

One minute British politics was a battle of competing tribes - the next we had two terribly nice chaps in the garden of No 10, united by their desire to "do the right thing".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and precision, consider using more common and grammatically standard alternatives like "very nice" or "extremely nice".

Common error

While "terribly" can function as an intensifier, using it excessively can make your writing sound unnatural or insincere. Opt for varied vocabulary to express degrees of niceness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase functions as an adverb-adjective combination modifying a noun. It's intended to intensify the positive attribute of the noun, but Ludwig's AI indicates it's not considered a standard or correct phrase in contemporary English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a terribly nice" is an intriguing case. While it intends to amplify the positive attribute of something or someone, it is not considered grammatically standard in modern English, according to Ludwig. Its usage is rare, primarily appearing in news and media contexts, where it may be employed for ironic effect, to represent a particular dialect, or to evoke a sense of old-fashioned charm. More common and grammatically sound alternatives include "very nice" or "extremely nice". While not strictly incorrect, using "a terribly nice" may lead to misinterpretations or sound unnatural to many contemporary English speakers. When in doubt, opting for more conventional phrasing is generally advisable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very pleasant

Replaces "terribly" with a more standard intensifier and uses a synonym for "nice".

extremely kind

Uses a stronger adjective and a different intensifier to express a similar level of positive regard.

remarkably agreeable

Employs more formal language to describe someone who is easy to get along with.

exceptionally gracious

Highlights someone's courtesy and refinement.

awfully decent

Uses a more colloquial intensifier but maintains a sense of general goodness.

incredibly amiable

Focuses on someone's friendliness and approachability.

surprisingly delightful

Highlights an unexpected positive experience with someone.

quite charming

Emphasizes someone's ability to please and attract.

utterly delightful

Suggests a perfect, overall pleasing experience.

genuinely good-hearted

Implies sincere kindness and compassion.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "a terribly nice"?

Consider using phrases like "very pleasant", "extremely kind", or "remarkably agreeable" for clearer communication.

Is "a terribly nice" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "a terribly nice" may sound awkward or unusual to many modern English speakers. It's often perceived as either ironic or dialectal.

When might I use "a terribly nice"?

This phrase is most appropriate in contexts where you aim to convey a sense of old-fashioned charm, irony, or regional dialect. However, in most formal or professional settings, it's best to opt for more standard alternatives.

How does "a terribly nice" differ from "very nice"?

"Very nice" is a straightforward and widely accepted expression of politeness. "A terribly nice", in contrast, is less common and can carry connotations of either heightened emphasis, irony, or affectation.