it really sucks

USAGE SUMMARY

It is technically correct to use the phrase "it really sucks" in written English, but it is considered to be informal language and should only be used in casual settings.
For example, "I just heard about the test being cancelled - it really sucks".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

"It really sucks".

The New Yorker

Fortunately, the clue for VAMPIRE BAT ("It really sucks") made me laugh out loud.

The New York Times

I'm not complaining, but it really sucks to be famous right now".

The Guardian - Film

"It really sucks, and I don't want to think too much about it, because I can't do anything about it.

The Guardian - Tech

'How about we do it,' he suggests, 'and if it really sucks, you let us know?' In the scene, he is having trouble with one particular line: 'And who cares about shit they don't have balls enough to say to your face?' It keeps coming out mangled.

The Guardian

"Yeah," I heard myself say, "it really sucks," and before I knew it I was talking passionately about the bands that meant the most to me even as the new guy poured tomato juice in his beer and sipped the foam off the top, while the music rumbled defiantly on and people with wet shoes and dripping umbrellas crowded in behind us.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

"It really sucked the liberal out of me," she said.

The New York Times

Vampirism has its uses (Viago and his pals can fly and turn into bats), but parts of it really suck.

The New Yorker

Talk about from the ridiculous to the sublime, the night before we went to Paris we stayed at the Marriott County Hall in London and it really sucked.

The Guardian - Travel

" It really sucked.

Forbes

And it really sucked spending the next years going to studio meetings and having people start the conversation with comments about that movie, which didn't actually represent me.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "it really sucks", consider your audience and the context. It's generally appropriate for casual conversations and informal writing, but avoid using it in professional or academic settings where more formal language is expected.

Common error

While "it really sucks" can effectively express dissatisfaction, relying on it too frequently can make your writing sound immature or unprofessional. Vary your language by using synonyms like "it's truly awful" or "it's incredibly disappointing" to maintain a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it really sucks" primarily functions as an exclamatory statement expressing strong disapproval, disappointment, or dislike. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct but informal, suitable for casual settings.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

9%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it really sucks" is a grammatically sound but informal expression used to convey strong negativity or disappointment. Ludwig AI highlights its correctness yet advises caution in formal contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it serves to express dissatisfaction and seek empathy. When writing, consider audience and tone; synonyms like "it's truly awful" can enhance versatility. While effective in casual settings, reserve "it really sucks" for when informality aligns with your message and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's just the worst

Uses a superlative to express a high degree of dislike or dissatisfaction.

it's a real bummer

Uses "bummer", a more casual term for a disappointing or unfortunate situation.

it's a total letdown

Conveys a sense of disappointment after anticipating something positive.

it's truly awful

Replaces "sucks" with a more formal synonym, "awful", indicating a strong negative feeling.

it's highly unpleasant

Employs "unpleasant" to express a dislike for something, maintaining a slightly more formal tone.

it's downright terrible

Emphasizes the negativity with "downright" and "terrible", suggesting a very unpleasant experience.

it's incredibly disappointing

Uses "disappointing" to convey a sense of unmet expectations and dissatisfaction.

it's extremely frustrating

Highlights the feeling of annoyance and helplessness caused by the situation.

it's a complete disaster

Indicates a failure or catastrophe, conveying a strong negative outcome.

it's quite disagreeable

Offers a more polite and understated way of expressing dissatisfaction.

FAQs

What does "it really sucks" mean?

The phrase "it really sucks" is an informal way of saying that something is very bad, unpleasant, or disappointing. It expresses strong dissatisfaction or dislike.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it really sucks"?

It's appropriate to use "it really sucks" in casual conversations with friends, informal writing, or situations where a relaxed tone is acceptable. Avoid using it in formal settings such as business meetings or academic papers.

What are some alternative ways to say "it really sucks"?

You can use alternatives like "it's truly awful", "it's incredibly disappointing", or "it's downright terrible" depending on the context and level of formality you want to convey.

Is "it really sucks" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it really sucks" is grammatically correct, although it is considered informal language. The structure follows standard English grammar, but the vocabulary is more suitable for casual communication.