a terrific answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a terrific answer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compliment someone's response or solution to a question or problem, indicating that it was excellent or impressive. Example: "After reviewing the responses, I must say that Sarah provided a terrific answer to the complex question posed during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Like any worthwhile thing that isn't about one scapegoat or silver bullet -- this isn't about a terrific answer to a fatuous and irrelevant question.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was a terrific result.

BBC

It's a terrific endeavor, answering one of society's greatest needs, but the preponderance of the meeting's agenda is on government action.

Huffington Post

"I'd think it's a terrific idea," Mr. Romney answered.

The New York Times

— November, 2011, at the CNBC debate "My colleagues have done a terrific job of answering an absurd question….

The New Yorker

"My colleagues have done a terrific job of answering an absurd question," Mr. Gingrich said to CNBC's Maria Bartiromo during one of the recent debates.

The New York Times

Whenever somebody asks me about my reporting on the war in Ukraine, I hear flippant things like: "Oh yeah, is that still going on?" or "didn't that end, like a while ago?" I usually use this anecdote from a terrific Guardian piece last year to answer them.

Vice

But Iverson answered with a terrific play.

The New York Times - Sports

There are no easy answers – it's a terrific bit of work.

The Guardian

"I know that Dennis does a terrific job of addressing rumors from the start and answering questions quickly and honestly".

The New York Times - Sports

Ali won that third fight but took a terrific beating from the relentless Frazier before trainer Eddie Futch kept Frazier from answering the bell for the 15th round.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a terrific answer" to positively acknowledge someone's response, particularly when it demonstrates insight or effectiveness. It's suitable for both formal and informal situations.

Common error

Avoid using "terrific" excessively, as it can diminish the impact of your praise. Vary your language with synonyms like "excellent", "outstanding", or "brilliant" to maintain freshness and sincerity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a terrific answer" functions as a noun phrase, where "terrific" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "answer". It describes the quality of the answer, indicating it is excellent or impressive. Ludwig shows examples of its use in praising responses.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a terrific answer" is a noun phrase used to express strong approval of a response. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for general use. While "terrific" adds enthusiasm, the phrase maintains a neutral register, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. To enhance writing, consider varying praise with alternatives like "an excellent response" or "a brilliant solution", as overuse of "terrific" can lessen its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an excellent response

Uses a more formal adjective to describe the answer.

a fantastic reply

Employs a different, more enthusiastic adjective.

a brilliant solution

Focuses on the problem-solving aspect of the answer.

a remarkable explanation

Highlights the clarity and insightfulness of the response.

an outstanding resolution

Emphasizes the successful outcome provided by the answer.

a superb retort

Implies a quick and clever response.

a wonderful comeback

Conveys enthusiasm about the response

a masterful rejoinder

Adds a touch of sophistication to the reply

a splendid response

The change is about the lexical choice of adjective

an impressive reaction

Focus is given to the quickness of the reply

FAQs

How can I use "a terrific answer" in a sentence?

You can use "a terrific answer" to commend a response that's particularly insightful or effective. For example, "That was "a terrific answer"; it completely clarified the issue."

What are some alternatives to saying "a terrific answer"?

Alternatives include "an excellent response", "a brilliant solution", or "an outstanding explanation", depending on the specific context and the quality you want to emphasize. You can find them at "an excellent response", "a brilliant solution", and "an outstanding explanation".

Is "a terrific answer" formal or informal?

"A terrific answer" is generally considered semi-formal. It's suitable for most professional and casual settings, conveying positive acknowledgment without being overly stiff. However, for very formal contexts, consider using "an excellent response" instead.

What makes "a terrific answer" different from "a good answer"?

"A terrific answer" implies that the response is not only correct but also particularly insightful, effective, or well-articulated. It conveys a stronger sense of admiration than simply saying "a good answer".