a terrific sight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a terrific sight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is visually impressive or enjoyable to look at. Example: "The sunset over the mountains was truly a terrific sight that left everyone in awe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The backgrounds, the environments, of the game certainly are a terrific sight to behold.

Vice

The backgrounds and the environments of the game certainly are a terrific sight to behold.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

After dropping out of sight for a spell, Denson is back with a terrific fish story in THE WEATHERMAN'S DAUGHTERS (Forge/Tom Doherty, $24.95).

The New York Times - Books

"I have a terrific view.

The New York Times

Bursting with flashy costumes, terrific sight gags and all the strange settings you'd need to build a city for such a diverse populace, the book isn't so much an introduction to superhero comics as it is a hilariously off-kilter sci-fi detective novel.

The Guardian - Books

Twas a grand sight".

The New York Times

In Menand's overview of the classical phase of the civil-rights movement, he mentions the documentary "Eyes on the Prize," calling the series a "terrific resource for those sights and sounds, as well as for its interviews with participants".

The New Yorker

François van der Mensbrugghe Professor, Law School of the University of Saint-Louis and University of Liège Brussels, Belgium In Menand's overview of the classical phase of the civil-rights movement, he mentions the documentary "Eyes on the Prize," calling the series a "terrific resource for those sights and sounds, as well as for its interviews with participants".

The New Yorker

They've got good people, and they've built a terrific news organization -- they obviously lost sight of what happens in financial markets".

The New York Times

On the right hand wall was an early Diebenkorn abstract oil -- it was a terrific painting -- but there were no Lobdells in sight.

Huffington Post

"There's no question we should have been out of sight, but the most important thing is it was a terrific performance and another win at Anfield.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when using "a terrific sight". While widely understood, the phrase may not be appropriate for all formal or academic writing, so evaluate if another phrase like "an impressive view" may be more fitting in those contexts.

Common error

While "terrific" is a positive adjective, its use can sometimes feel informal or overly enthusiastic in certain formal writing contexts. To maintain a professional tone, consider using alternatives such as "remarkable", "impressive", or "exceptional" which offer similar positive connotations but with a more restrained delivery.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a terrific sight" is that of a noun phrase, functioning as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It describes something visually impressive. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is indeed appropriate and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a terrific sight" is a noun phrase used to express appreciation for something visually impressive. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears in news and media contexts. While its frequency is rare, it effectively conveys a sense of delight and admiration. For more formal settings, consider using alternatives such as "an impressive view" or "a remarkable scene". Ludwig's analysis indicates that while it's a valid and expressive phrase, context matters in choosing the most appropriate wording.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wonderful view

Changes the adjective to emphasize the feeling of wonder and admiration associated with the sight.

a magnificent spectacle

Replaces both adjectives and nouns to highlight the grandeur and scale of the visual experience.

an amazing vista

Substitutes the adjective and noun to focus on a broad and impressive view.

a breathtaking scene

Emphasizes the awe-inspiring quality of the visual before you.

a stunning panorama

Highlights the wide and comprehensive nature of the view.

a remarkable perspective

Shifts focus to the uniqueness and memorability of the viewpoint.

an impressive outlook

Focuses on the expansive and commanding nature of the view.

an extraordinary vision

Emphasizes the exceptional and uncommon nature of the sight.

a glorious scene

Uses a different adjective to stress the beauty and splendor of the view.

a beautiful spectacle

Emphasizes the aesthetic pleasure derived from the sight.

FAQs

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

You can use "a terrific sight" to describe something visually impressive. For example, "The sunset over the ocean was "a terrific sight" to behold".

What are some alternatives to "a terrific sight"?

Alternatives include "a wonderful view", "a magnificent spectacle", or "an amazing vista" depending on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

Is "a terrific sight" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a terrific sight" might be perceived as informal in certain formal contexts. Consider using alternatives like "an impressive view" or "a remarkable scene" for a more professional tone.

What makes "a terrific sight" different from "a good view"?

"A terrific sight" implies a stronger positive emotional response and suggests something more visually striking and memorable than just "a good view". It conveys a sense of delight and admiration.