looking terrific

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking terrific" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compliment someone's appearance or to express that something appears very good or impressive. Example: "After her makeover, she was looking terrific and ready for the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

She kept looking terrific; woe had carved a few pounds off her frame.

The New Yorker

When it comes to recognition for a job well done, suddenly there we are, looking terrific.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Suddenly he became playful; he dressed in elegant clothes; he discovered a talent for music, juggling, dancing and looking terrific on a ribboned swing.

The New York Times - Magazine

Instead, the chief executive, Todd Stitzer, told the throng that great progress has been made in "impulse channels", while the "innovation pipeline for gum" was looking terrific.

The Guardian - Business

The move was indeed an escape at last from the elegant old Academy of Music down the street, still looking terrific but sounding absolutely awful.

The New York Times - Arts

"Teenagers have not had jobs for a while, and have to compete with older workers, and the back-to-school market's not looking terrific this year," Ms. Swonk said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

She looked terrific.

The New Yorker

Astonishingly, it looks terrific.

The New York Times

It looks terrific.

The New York Times - Arts

This machine looks terrific.

The New York Times - Tech

It also looks terrific.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looking terrific" to compliment someone's appearance or to describe something that appears exceptionally good or impressive. It's suitable for a range of contexts, from personal compliments to describing the state of a project or object.

Common error

While "looking terrific" is generally acceptable, be mindful of the formality of your writing. In highly formal or academic settings, consider using more precise or sophisticated language to describe appearance or condition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking terrific" functions as a descriptive expression, typically used as a compliment or to convey approval. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. The word looking acts as a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective terrific.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "looking terrific" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express admiration or approval of someone's appearance or the state of something. Ludwig AI indicates its correct usage. It is primarily found in news and media contexts, conveying a neutral level of formality. While versatile, consider the context to ensure appropriateness. For more formal settings, alternatives such as "looking fabulous" or "looking wonderful" might be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

looking fabulous

Replaces "terrific" with "fabulous", implying a more glamorous or stylish appearance.

looking wonderful

Substitutes "terrific" with "wonderful", suggesting a positive and pleasing appearance.

looking fantastic

Replaces "terrific" with "fantastic", indicating an exceptional or impressive appearance.

looking great

A more general and widely used alternative, replacing "terrific" with "great".

looking stunning

Emphasizes the beauty and impressiveness of someone's appearance, a more dramatic alternative.

looking radiant

Suggests a glowing and healthy appearance, implying inner vitality.

looking smashing

A more old-fashioned or British alternative, meaning very attractive or stylish.

looking their best

Shifts the focus to someone presenting themselves in the most favorable way.

in tip-top shape

Focuses on the excellent condition or form of something, rather than appearance.

looking sharp

Implies a neat, stylish, and well-groomed appearance, especially for men.

FAQs

What does "looking terrific" mean?

The phrase "looking terrific" is used to express that someone or something appears very good, attractive, or impressive. It's a way of giving a strong compliment on appearance or condition.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "looking terrific"?

It's appropriate to use "looking terrific" in many situations, from complimenting a friend's outfit to describing the impressive state of a renovated building. Consider the context and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

What are some alternative ways to say "looking terrific"?

You can use alternatives like "looking fabulous", "looking great", or "looking fantastic", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "looking terrific" formal or informal?

The phrase "looking terrific" is generally considered to be relatively informal. In more formal or professional settings, you might choose a more precise or sophisticated alternative, but it is acceptable in most neutral contexts.