a terrific work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a terrific work" is not correct in standard English; it should be "a terrific piece of work" or simply "terrific work." You can use it when complimenting someone's effort or output in a professional or creative context.
Example: "The report you submitted is a terrific piece of work; it clearly demonstrates your dedication and expertise."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

She has left behind a terrific work of fiction.

The Guardian - Books

We have to play as a team and have a terrific work ethic".

The New York Times - Sports

I grew up in a family with a terrific work ethic, and we all played sports and were competitive.

The New York Times

MajorWhipple too had worries about the pace, saying: "It's a terrific work although the pace might not suit everyone".

The Guardian - Books

The entrance and exits are covered by heavy curtains, that waft in an indoor breeze (reprising a terrific work Gander made for the last Documenta).

The Guardian - Arts

Skorupska describes the "renewable heat incentive" – a world first – as a "terrific work", but warns that the same administration is also undermining its own work.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"The Boy Scouts do a lot of terrific work," said Angela M. Bradstreet, a former president of the San Francisco bar association who is the leading proponent of the proposal.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, there is still a lot of terrific work being published by British writers".

The Guardian - Books

I believe he [Lerner] is obviously devastated the club is where it is but he should be given great credit for a lot of terrific work he's done over the years".

The Guardian - Sport

It is more a wander through some terrific work, helped by a simple basic idea.

The Guardian - Arts

A few terrific works don't make a great or telling exhibition.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a terrific work" in informal contexts, ensure the audience understands the intended meaning of an impressive accomplishment.

Common error

Avoid using "a terrific work" in highly formal contexts. While understandable, it lacks the grammatical precision of "terrific work" or "a terrific piece of work".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a terrific work" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, adding a positive attribute to a noun. It indicates that something is very good or impressive. Ludwig AI suggests that this phrase is not strictly grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a terrific work" is used to describe something of high quality, but Ludwig AI analysis indicates it's not strictly grammatically correct, recommending "terrific work" or "a terrific piece of work" instead. Though it appears in various news sources, it's best suited for informal contexts. Alternatives include "an excellent creation" and "a splendid achievement". While the phrase is understandable, adhering to stricter grammatical forms enhances clarity and precision, especially in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a superb piece

Replaces "work" with "piece", offering a slightly different feel.

an excellent creation

Emphasizes the act of creation and its high quality.

a splendid achievement

Highlights the accomplishment aspect and its impressive nature.

a wonderful accomplishment

Combines positive sentiment with the idea of achievement.

an outstanding project

Focuses on the project aspect and its remarkable quality.

a remarkable endeavor

Stresses the effort involved and its noteworthy result.

a first-rate effort

Emphasizes the quality of the effort put into the work.

a magnificent undertaking

Highlights the scale and grandeur of the effort.

an exceptional undertaking

Stresses the unique and outstanding nature of the effort.

a commendable feat

Highlights the praiseworthy nature of the accomplishment.

FAQs

Is "a terrific work" grammatically correct?

While commonly used, "a terrific work" is not strictly grammatically correct. Standard English prefers "terrific work" or "a terrific piece of work".

What are some alternatives to "a terrific work"?

You can use alternatives such as "an excellent creation", "a splendid achievement", or "an outstanding project" to convey a similar meaning.

In what contexts can I use "a terrific work"?

You can use "a terrific work" in informal settings or when speaking. However, for formal writing, it's better to use grammatically precise alternatives.

What's the difference between "a terrific work" and "terrific work"?

"Terrific work" is a grammatically sound way to describe something impressive. "A terrific work" is a less formal variant, often understood but not always grammatically preferred.