i am terrible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I am terrible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a negative self-assessment or feeling of inadequacy in a particular context. Example: "After failing the exam, I felt like I am terrible at math."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

I am terrible!

The New York Times

I am terrible at languages.

The New York Times

I am terrible at naming characters.

The New Yorker

I am terrible at doing nothing.

The Guardian - Opinion

What if I am terrible with maps?

The Guardian - Travel

"I am terrible at video games," Tomohiro Nishikado says.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

A. I was terrible.

The New York Times

"I was terrible.

The New York Times

"I was terrible at maths.

Independent

I'm terrible at sleeping.

The New York Times - Tech

I'm terrible at it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I am terrible" to express a clear and direct assessment of your own shortcomings or lack of skill in a specific context. Be specific to avoid generalizations.

Common error

Avoid using "I am terrible" as a blanket statement about yourself. Instead, pinpoint the specific area where you feel inadequate to maintain a balanced and constructive perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I am terrible" functions as a self-deprecating statement, expressing a personal assessment of inadequacy or lack of skill. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a straightforward way to convey a negative self-evaluation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I am terrible" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a negative self-assessment or lack of skill. As indicated by Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, but it's crucial to be mindful of overgeneralization and choose the right degree of intensity depending on the situation. Alternatives like "I'm awful" or "I'm no good" can offer milder alternatives. Ludwig's examples highlight its presence in news, opinion pieces, and personal anecdotes, signifying its broad acceptance and understandability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i'm awful

Uses "awful" instead of "terrible", conveying a slightly less intense negative feeling.

i'm no good

Indicates a lack of ability or skill in a general sense.

i'm bad at this

Specifies a lack of proficiency in a particular activity.

i'm not very good

A more polite and understated way of expressing a lack of skill.

i'm unskilled

Highlights a lack of developed skills or expertise.

i lack ability

Focuses on the absence of a particular talent or capacity.

i'm deficient

Emphasizes a shortcoming or inadequacy in a specific area.

i'm incompetent

Suggests a general inability to perform tasks effectively.

i'm inept

Implies a clumsy or awkward lack of skill.

i'm hopeless

Expresses a feeling of despair and lack of hope for improvement.

FAQs

What does "I am terrible" mean?

It's an expression used to convey that you believe you are very bad at something or that you are performing poorly.

What can I say instead of "I am terrible"?

You can use alternatives like "I'm awful", "I'm no good", or "I'm bad at this" depending on the context.

Is it too harsh to say "I am terrible"?

It can be perceived as harsh, so consider your audience and the context. Using a milder phrase like "I'm not very good" may be more appropriate in some situations.

How to use "I am terrible" in a sentence?

You can use it to express a lack of skill or ability, for example, "I am terrible at remembering names." or "I am terrible at keeping secrets."