how terrific

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how terrific" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express enthusiasm or admiration for something, often in an informal context. Example: "I just finished reading that book, and I have to say, how terrific it was!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

How terrific do I feel since quitting?

The Guardian - Opinion

I wanted to say how terrific she looks, but can't.

The New York Times

"What gets lost in the shuffle is how terrific a player he was.

The New York Times - Sports

This afternoon, after voting against the deal, he told reporters how terrific it all was.

The New York Times

"So you can imagine how terrific everyone smelled in the nineteenth century".

The New Yorker

There is no doubt that Raines was terrific, but how terrific?

The New York Times - Sports

The main political parties fervently agree on how terrific education is.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

So much is going on inside this imposing restaurant that it takes a while to concentrate on the food and discover how truly terrific it is.

The New York Times

That bomb didn't go off, or we wouldn't be talking about Season 2. I spent most of this summer working up a head of steam about how, as terrific as "Homeland" is, that bomb should have exploded.

The New Yorker

"To Be and to Have" is a deeply satisfying aesthetic and pedagogic experience — though Americans may find themselves wondering how such terrific children can grow into such irritating adults.

The New Yorker

Pursuing the American dream of creating a product from the ground up has shown me what's possible and how many terrific collaborators there are out there from my product designers, to 3D printing partners, to creative packaging designers.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "how terrific" to express genuine enthusiasm or admiration, especially when emphasizing a positive quality or outcome. For example, "Consider how terrific it is that we have the best broadcasting in the world".

Common error

While "how terrific" is widely accepted, avoid overusing it in formal writing or professional settings where a more sophisticated or nuanced expression of approval may be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "how remarkable" or "how exceptional" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how terrific" functions as an exclamatory expression indicating a high degree of approval or admiration. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It modifies an implied statement, emphasizing the positive quality being described.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "how terrific" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to convey strong approval and admiration. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a correct and usable phrase. While its usage is primarily observed in news and media, it can be used in various settings with consideration of register. For more formal scenarios, alternatives like "how remarkable" may be more suitable. This analysis, drawing from numerous examples, shows "how terrific" is a valuable phrase for expressing genuine enthusiasm.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how wonderful

Emphasizes a feeling of delight and admiration, similar to "how terrific" but with a slightly warmer tone.

how amazing

Highlights the surprising or extraordinary nature of something, adding a sense of awe to the admiration.

how fantastic

Conveys a strong sense of enthusiasm and delight, often used in a more informal context.

how great

A simpler and more general expression of approval, suitable for a wider range of situations.

how splendid

Suggests something is magnificent or impressive, carrying a slightly more formal and refined tone.

how marvelous

Expresses wonder and admiration, often used to describe something exceptional or remarkable.

how extraordinary

Highlights the exceptional and unusual nature of something, emphasizing its uniqueness.

how delightful

Focuses on the pleasant and enjoyable aspects of something, emphasizing its ability to bring joy.

how remarkable

Emphasizes the noteworthy and significant aspects of something, highlighting its impact or importance.

how fabulous

Conveys a strong sense of style and flair, often used to describe something fashionable or glamorous.

FAQs

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

You can use "how terrific" to express admiration or enthusiasm. For instance, "I can't begin to describe "how terrific" this book is" or "See "how terrific" you are and attached your résumé".

What are some alternatives to "how terrific"?

Alternatives to "how terrific" include "how wonderful", "how amazing", or "how fantastic". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "how terrific" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "how terrific" might be considered informal for some formal contexts. Consider using alternatives such as "how remarkable" or "how exceptional" in more formal settings.

What's the difference between "how terrific" and "how wonderful"?

Both "how terrific" and "how wonderful" express admiration, but "how terrific" might suggest a slightly more enthusiastic or emphatic tone, while "how wonderful" implies a more gentle or heartwarming feeling.