so terrible that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "so terrible that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that is extremely bad or unpleasant, often leading to a significant consequence or reaction. Example: "The storm was so terrible that it caused widespread damage across the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For many it was so terrible that they ran and hid behind the bluffs.

The New York Times

He was so terrible that the players learned never to watch him.

The New York Times - Arts

Conditions in emergency camps were so terrible that some peasants preferred to go to jail.

The Guardian - Books

It was an event so terrible that the family has never spoken of it.

The Guardian - Books

The new models were so terrible that even 40 years later, some shoppers still won't consider Detroit's brands.

The New York Times

Some parts of our story were so terrible that I asked my wife to leave the room".

The New Yorker

The pain in my eyes and face was so terrible that I had a wave of thought: I was dying.

The New Yorker

A fifty-per-cent chance of such an attack happening is so terrible that it changes the calculation of risk".

The New Yorker

There is a restlessness so terrible that you can no longer bear to sit still in your house.

The New Yorker

"I heard a voice so terrible, that it is impossible to express the terror of it".

The Guardian - Books

It's so terrible that there's a hierarchy of getting shit on on the internet.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "so terrible that" to emphasize a cause-and-effect relationship where the initial situation is extremely negative and results in a significant outcome. For dramatic effect, follow "so terrible that" with a surprising or unexpected consequence.

Common error

Avoid using "so terrible that" repeatedly in close proximity, as it can diminish its impact. Vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing the sentence to maintain the reader's interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so terrible that" functions as an intensifier followed by a causal connector. It highlights the extreme negativity of a situation and introduces the consequence or result of that situation. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Books

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "so terrible that" is a grammatically sound and widely used construction to express the extreme negativity of a situation and its resulting consequence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as an intensifier and causal connector. While versatile, it's best employed thoughtfully to maintain its impact and avoid redundancy. Consider alternatives like "so awful that" or "so horrific that" to vary your writing. Ludwig’s examples show this phrase in several contexts, but it's important to note that it's most often encountered in news and media, books and general content. Avoid overuse to keep your writing impactful and engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

so awful that

Replaces "terrible" with a more general term for badness; slightly less intense.

so dreadful that

Similar in meaning but carries a stronger sense of foreboding or fear.

so horrific that

Implies a greater level of shock and horror than "terrible".

so appalling that

Suggests a sense of outrage or moral offense in addition to being terrible.

so bad that

A simpler, more direct way to express the idea, generally less emphatic.

such a nightmare that

Emphasizes the distressing and nightmarish quality of the situation.

to such an extent that

A more formal way to express the intensity, focusing on the degree of the situation.

so unbearable that

Highlights the inability to tolerate or endure the situation.

so catastrophic that

Implies widespread and devastating consequences.

so tragic that

Focuses on the sorrowful and deeply regrettable nature of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "so terrible that" in a sentence?

Use "so terrible that" to connect an extremely negative situation with its resulting consequence. For example, "The storm was "so terrible that" many homes were destroyed."

What are some alternatives to "so terrible that"?

You can use alternatives such as "so awful that", "so dreadful that", or "so horrific that" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "so terrible that"?

Yes, the phrase "so terrible that" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to express a cause-and-effect relationship where the cause is extremely negative.

What is the difference between "so terrible that" and "very terrible"?

"So terrible that" implies a direct consequence, while "very terrible" simply emphasizes the degree of terribleness without necessarily implying a specific outcome. For example, "The news was very terrible", versus "The news was "so terrible that" she fainted."