is terrible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is terrible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a negative opinion or judgment about something. Example: "The weather today is terrible; I can't believe how much it has rained."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Traffic is terrible.

The New York Times - Travel

" 'Real life is terrible.

The New York Times

The environment is terrible.

The New Yorker

"The corruption is terrible".

The New York Times

The G.P.S. is terrible.

The New Yorker

This is terrible news.

The New Yorker

Life is terrible here".

The New York Times

"This is terrible.

The New York Times

Hygiene is terrible.

The New York Times

It is terrible there".

The New York Times

Morale is terrible.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is terrible", consider the specific aspect you want to criticize. Using more descriptive language can provide a clearer understanding of your viewpoint. For example, instead of saying "The movie is terrible", specify "The plot of the movie is terrible."

Common error

Avoid using "is terrible" as a generic criticism. Instead, provide concrete reasons or examples to support your opinion. This adds credibility and depth to your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is terrible" functions primarily as a subject complement, linking a subject to an adjective that describes it. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase attributes a negative quality to a noun, such as "The food is terrible" or "The weather is terrible". The Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is terrible" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for conveying strong negative evaluations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely applicable across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While its basic function is straightforward, refining your language to avoid vagueness will provide better clarity in your writing. You can use synonyms like "is awful", "is dreadful", and "is atrocious" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is awful

Focuses on the unpleasant or disagreeable nature of something.

is dreadful

Emphasizes the causing of alarm or fear.

is atrocious

Highlights the shocking or wicked quality of something.

is very bad

A more general and straightforward expression of negativity.

is horrible

Stresses the causing of horror.

is appalling

Indicates something that is shocking and deeply disturbing.

is unacceptable

Focuses on the idea that something cannot be tolerated or allowed.

is substandard

Emphasizes that something is below the required or expected standard.

is lamentable

Highlights that something is regrettable and unfortunate.

is deficient

Focuses on the lack of something essential or necessary.

FAQs

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

You can use "is terrible" to express a negative opinion or judgment about something. For example, "The food at that restaurant "is terrible"" or "The weather today "is terrible"."

What are some alternatives to "is terrible"?

Some alternatives to "is terrible" include "is awful", "is dreadful", or "is atrocious". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "is terrible" or "are terrible"?

"Is terrible" is used with singular nouns or uncountable nouns, while "are terrible" is used with plural nouns. For example, "The movie is terrible", but "The reviews are terrible".

What's the difference between "is terrible" and "is bad"?

"Is terrible" is a stronger expression of negativity than "is bad". "Is terrible" implies something is extremely unpleasant or of very poor quality, whereas "is bad" is a more general term for something negative.