in a terrible condition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a terrible condition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is in a very poor or damaged state. Example: "The old car was left in a terrible condition after years of neglect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

My mind is scarred and in a terrible condition".

The New Yorker

The temperature was boiling in July 2012, the children were in a terrible condition.

The Guardian

"The Chinese would certainly provide economic assistance to Nepal, which finds itself in a terrible condition," Professor Muni said.

Independent

If she says someone is in a bad way that means they are in a terrible condition.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They had been kept in a tiny shed in his garden and were in a terrible condition.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Black people are in a terrible condition right now — economically, socially, educationally and otherwise — and there is no effective champion fighting for their interests.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

I asked for help…" The director of the centre said that during his entire practical experience he had not seen anyone in such a terrible condition as Vova was.

Unicef

"This city is in a terrible economic condition," Mayor Cenkov said.

The New York Times

"We bought a house in terrible condition that we never should have bought," she said.

The New York Times

Instead they travelled by boat, showing up in terrible condition after a fortnight-long journey in which they had been able to do little more than go for an occasional jog.

The Guardian - Sport

But she stayed in jail, in terrible conditions, for two years – fed millet mixed with dirt, rust and occasionally rotten fish, unable to wash, surrounded by dying women.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in a terrible condition", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being described. For example, specify if you're referring to a physical object, a person's health, or an economic situation.

Common error

Avoid using "in a terrible condition" when the situation is merely inconvenient or slightly damaged. 'Terrible' implies significant damage, disrepair, or distress. Use words that are more accurate when describing minor issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a terrible condition" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the state or quality of something, indicating that it is in a very poor or damaged state, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a terrible condition" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that is severely damaged, deteriorated, or in a very poor state. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it is frequently used in news and media contexts, as well as in formal and business communications. While generally considered neutral in register, it's important to ensure that the severity implied by "terrible" accurately reflects the situation being described. Alternatives like "in a dreadful state" or "badly damaged" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a dreadful state

Replaces "terrible condition" with "dreadful state", emphasizing the severity of the condition.

in a very poor state

Substitutes "terrible" with "very poor", offering a less intense but similar description.

in dire straits

Uses a more figurative expression, "dire straits", to convey a state of extreme difficulty or distress.

badly damaged

Focuses on the damage aspect, suitable when describing physical damage.

in a critical state

Suggests a state of emergency or severe risk, often used in medical contexts.

in a dilapidated state

Emphasizes the run-down or neglected condition of something.

in a precarious situation

Shifts the focus to the instability or uncertainty of the situation.

in an awful way

Uses a more general term, "awful", to describe the negative condition.

in a shocking condition

Highlights the unexpected or surprising nature of the bad condition.

severely affected

Focuses on the impact or consequences of a negative influence or event.

FAQs

How can I use "in a terrible condition" in a sentence?

You can use "in a terrible condition" to describe something that is severely damaged or deteriorated. For example, "The house was "in a terrible condition" after the hurricane."

What can I say instead of "in a terrible condition"?

Alternatives include "in a dreadful state", "in dire straits", or "badly damaged", depending on the specific context.

Is "in a terrible condition" formal or informal?

"In a terrible condition" is generally considered neutral and appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal options like "in a critical state" may be preferred in professional settings.

What is the difference between "in a terrible condition" and "in a bad condition"?

"In a terrible condition" suggests a more severe state than "in a bad condition". "Terrible" implies a greater degree of damage, disrepair, or distress.