doing terribly well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doing terribly well" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is performing exceptionally well, often in a sarcastic or ironic manner. Example: "Despite the challenges, she is doing terribly well in her new role, exceeding all expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"If she goes on that way, she's doing terribly well.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Terminator Genisys is not doing terribly well at the box office.

The Guardian - Film

"The message is really that the government hasn't been doing terribly well in the eye of the public".

The New York Times

As a saltwater tropical fish habitat, the Staten Island Ferry terminal in St . Georgehas not been doing terribly well.

The New York Times

Possibly: or just as possibly, the country would have muddled through, getting by with one government or another, not doing terribly well, managing decline.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Yes, but they still don't do terribly well.

The New York Times

In the meantime, he had started working in film – he wrote screenplays with his brother, directed the film version of Mojo and wrote and directed the film Birthday Girl, with Nicole Kidman as a "mail-order" Russian bride; neither did terribly well.

The Guardian

"Most officials have never met the Secretary of State [Michael Gove] other than when he will troop out a few chosen people for the new year party, Mr Grace-like from Grace Brothers, and tell us we've all done terribly well and then disappear," said Mr Loughton.

BBC

Said music critic Parke Puterbaugh, "To make that record in '93, it may have been a number of years ahead of its time actually, because it didn't do terribly well".

Wikipedia

In the Middle East, as in most of the third world, security forces do not behave terribly well.

The New York Times - Magazine

J. D. Salinger's Glass siblings, who starred in a fictional radio quiz show titled "It's a Wise Child," didn't fare terribly well.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "doing terribly well" to ironically describe someone who is actually succeeding, adding a layer of humor or surprise to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "doing terribly well" literally when you mean someone is failing; it's often used sarcastically to imply the opposite. If you mean someone is failing, use phrases like "doing poorly" or "failing miserably" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doing terribly well" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "doing terribly well" is a grammatically sound adverbial phrase primarily used in news and media contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is most often used ironically to convey that something is actually succeeding impressively, despite initial expectations. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the ironic tone is clear to avoid misinterpretation. Alternatives like "succeeding beyond expectations" can also be used to achieve a similar effect. Always consider the potential for confusion and contextualize your use of the phrase accordingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

performing exceptionally

Focuses on the act of performing at a high level.

succeeding greatly

Emphasizes the achievement of success in a significant manner.

excelling remarkably

Highlights the quality of surpassing ordinary standards.

thriving spectacularly

Suggests a vibrant and flourishing success.

flourishing impressively

Focuses on growth and prosperity with notable impact.

achieving outstandingly

Emphasizes the attainment of remarkable results.

progressing wonderfully

Highlights the positive advancement in a delightful way.

advancing superbly

Focuses on the excellent forward movement.

improving dramatically

Emphasizes significant betterment.

booming vigorously

Suggests a strong and healthy expansion or growth.

FAQs

How can I use "doing terribly well" in a sentence?

You can use "doing terribly well" to ironically describe someone who is actually excelling. For example, "Despite the initial setbacks, the project is "doing terribly well" and exceeding all expectations".

What does it mean when someone says something is "doing terribly well"?

It often implies the opposite of its literal meaning, suggesting that something is actually "doing exceptionally well", often unexpectedly or surprisingly.

Which is correct, "doing terribly well" or "doing very well"?

"Doing very well" is a straightforward description of success. "Doing terribly well" is typically used ironically to mean "doing so well", contrasting with the expected outcome.

What are some alternatives to "doing terribly well" that maintain the ironic tone?

You could use phrases like "succeeding beyond expectations", "flourishing unexpectedly", or "doing amazingly well" with a clear indication of sarcasm in your tone or context.