more terrible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more terrible" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is worse than what it previously was. For example, "The weather had become more terrible as the storm approached."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Nothing more terrible, nothing more true," as Larkin put it in "Aubade," terribly and truthfully.

The New Yorker

Even more terrible.

The Guardian - Arts

I can't think of anything more terrible".

The Guardian

More terrible than he does I would guess.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There have certainly been more terrible episodes on Long Island.

The New York Times

Could anything ever be more terrible than losing her child?

The Guardian

More terrible even than watching my wife die of cancer.

The New York Times - Books

One more terrible frustration for the poor old devil.

The New Yorker

But within that hell, there was an even more terrible hell.

Stanford University

Nothing is more terrible than these processions of human beings going like dummies to their death".

The New Yorker

Could it be that we have just forgotten this even more terrible massacre?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more terrible", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being compared. This provides a stronger impact and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "more terrible" excessively in situations that do not warrant such strong language. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more terrible" functions as a comparative adjective, modifying a noun by indicating a greater degree of negative quality. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more terrible" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative adjective phrase. As Ludwig confirms, it serves to express a greater degree of negativity or severity when comparing two or more things. It's widely used in news, academic writing, and scientific contexts, indicating its versatility and acceptance across various registers. When employing the phrase, it's crucial to provide clear context to avoid ambiguity and to be mindful of the potential for overstatement. Alternatives such as "more horrendous" or "more awful" can offer nuanced shades of meaning, depending on the intended emotional impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more horrendous

Emphasizes the shocking or outrageous nature of something, increasing the intensity.

more awful

Highlights the unpleasant or disagreeable nature of something, making it worse.

more dreadful

Stresses the fear or apprehension caused by something, intensifying the feeling.

more fearsome

Focuses on the frightening or intimidating quality of something, increasing the sense of danger.

more dire

Underscores the seriousness or urgency of a situation, making it more critical.

more appalling

Highlights the shocking or disgusting nature of something, making it deeply offensive.

more ghastly

Emphasizes the horrifying or gruesome nature of something, heightening the sense of disgust.

more horrific

Stresses the intensity of fear or shock caused by something, amplifying the horror.

more gruesome

Focuses on the repulsive or macabre nature of something, increasing the level of disgust.

more frightful

Highlights the alarming or terrifying quality of something, amplifying the sense of fear.

FAQs

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

Use "more terrible" to compare the intensity of something negative. For example, "The consequences of that decision were "more terrible" than we had imagined".

What phrases can I use instead of "more terrible"?

Alternatives include "more horrendous", "more awful", or "more dreadful", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "more terrible"?

Yes, "more terrible" is grammatically correct. It's a comparative form of the adjective "terrible", used to indicate a greater degree of terribleness.

What's the difference between "terrible" and "more terrible"?

"Terrible" describes something bad or unpleasant. "More terrible" indicates that something is worse than something else. For example, "The first accident was terrible, but the second was "more terrible"".