is terribly useful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is terribly useful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the usefulness of something in a somewhat dramatic or exaggerated manner. Example: "This new software update is terribly useful for improving our workflow and efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"That serves us very well," he said, "because I don't think an ironic standing back is terribly useful if you're engaged in the full-blooded, rather gorgeous over-the-topness that Bollywood is".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

And, of course, one could be terribly useful to charity.

The Guardian

And many economists are still debating whether the last round of quantitative easing was terribly useful.

The New York Times

While it may not be terribly useful on vacation, the technology really shines when you're traveling on business and making last-minute flight changes.

The New York Times - Travel

To your point, that's not going to be terribly useful as long as the numbers are in the hundreds, right?

The New Yorker

Receiving an income in sterling may not be terribly useful to you, as it could be costly in terms of exchange rates and bank charges.

The Guardian - Money

But this hugely complex idea merits only a few paragraphs, which won't be terribly useful to the young activists Gitlin aims to instruct.

The New York Times - Books

But if Mr. El-Hage proved not to be terribly useful, the government was continuing to pursue other investigative routes, including listening in on the Nairobi group's phone lines, according to the new court filings.

The New York Times

Such aphorisms may never have been terribly useful, but in a new and no less dangerous century they are less helpful than ever in steering politician and soldier alike through choices that remain as consequential as they have ever been.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although on her first visit to the South she felt guilty that she hadn't been there during the struggle for civil rights, in general she doesn't regret not having been more involved in politics in the 60s: "I don't really see my role as being in the front line, it's just not the way I am and it wouldn't be terribly useful of me because I wouldn't be any good at it".

The Guardian - Books

But actually, it has such an area, Google Profiles — but no one really seems to talk about it, because it hasn't been terribly useful, and it's hard to find.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is terribly useful" when you want to emphasize the unexpected or surprisingly high degree of usefulness of something. It adds a touch of dramatic flair to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "is terribly useful" too frequently, as the dramatic emphasis can become repetitive and lose its impact. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "is very useful" or "is extremely helpful" in most contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is terribly useful" functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It describes the subject by attributing a quality of usefulness, intensified by the adverb "terribly". Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is terribly useful" is grammatically correct and functions as a predicate adjective phrase. Ludwig AI confirms that it's correct and usable. Its primary purpose is to express a strong degree of helpfulness, often with a touch of emphasis or surprise. While mainly found in neutral contexts like news and media, it can also appear in more informal settings. Alternatives such as "is extremely helpful" or "is incredibly practical" may be more appropriate for formal writing. Remember to use it judiciously to maintain impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is remarkably helpful

Replaces "terribly" with "remarkably", suggesting a noticeable degree of usefulness.

is exceptionally valuable

Substitutes "useful" with "valuable", highlighting the importance or worth of something.

is extremely beneficial

Emphasizes the positive outcomes or advantages resulting from something.

is incredibly practical

Focuses on the real-world applications and functionality of something.

is particularly effective

Highlights the capability of producing a desired result or effect.

is significantly advantageous

Indicates that something provides a notable benefit or advantage.

is notably worthwhile

Suggests that something is deserving of attention or effort due to its usefulness.

is eminently suitable

Focuses on how perfectly aligned or appropriate something is for a specific purpose.

is awfully helpful

Similar in tone by using awfully as intensifier but replaces "useful" with "helpful".

proves highly advantageous

Shifts from describing a state to emphasizing the action of proving to be advantageous.

FAQs

How can I use "is terribly useful" in a sentence?

Use "is terribly useful" to emphasize the surprising or significant helpfulness of something. For example: "This new software "is terribly useful" for managing our projects efficiently."

What are some alternatives to "is terribly useful"?

You can use alternatives such as "is extremely helpful", "is remarkably beneficial", or "is incredibly practical" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "is terribly useful" formal or informal?

"Is terribly useful" leans towards the informal side due to the use of "terribly" as an intensifier. For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "is exceptionally valuable" or "is significantly advantageous".

When should I avoid using "is terribly useful"?

Avoid using "is terribly useful" in very formal or academic writing where a more neutral and objective tone is preferred. Also, be mindful of overusing it, as the emphatic tone can become tiresome if used repeatedly.