something terrible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "something terrible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an unspecified negative event, situation, or feeling. Example: "I heard something terrible happened at the concert last night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Something terrible I'm sure".

The New York Times

Something TERRIBLE is afoot.

The New York Times

"They cooked him something terrible.

The New York Times

Something "terrible" is going on.

The New Yorker

Something terrible has happened!

The New York Times - Sports

"Something terrible is happening.

The New Yorker

Then something terrible happened.

The New Yorker

Something terrible occurs.

The Guardian - Music

Buck's upper back was seizing something terrible.

The New Yorker

Now it is something terrible".

The New York Times

Something terrible has been revealed.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "something terrible" to introduce a negative event or situation when you want to create suspense or avoid being overly specific. It allows the listener or reader to anticipate the bad news without immediately revealing the details.

Common error

Avoid using "something terrible" excessively in your writing, especially if the context doesn't truly warrant such a strong expression. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your narrative sound melodramatic or insincere. Consider using more nuanced language to describe the event or situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something terrible" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces an unspecified negative event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

5%

Huffington Post

5%

Less common in

The Guardian

1%

The New Yorker

1%

BBC

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "something terrible" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce or describe a negative event or situation. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable. Its frequency and presence in authoritative news sources like The New York Times and The Guardian suggest its widespread acceptance. When writing, use it to create suspense or convey bad news. Remember to avoid overuse to maintain its impact and sincerity. Alternatives include "something awful" and "something dreadful".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something awful

Replaces "terrible" with a synonym conveying a similar degree of negativity.

something dreadful

Substitutes "terrible" with another word suggesting a severely unpleasant experience.

something horrible

Uses "horrible" instead of "terrible" to denote extreme unpleasantness.

something horrendous

Replaces "terrible" with a stronger synonym emphasizing the shocking nature of the event.

something catastrophic

Indicates a disaster or event causing significant damage or suffering.

a terrible event

Rephrases the expression using "event" to emphasize the occurrence.

a grave matter

Indicates the severity and seriousness of the issue, focusing on its importance.

a dire situation

Focuses on the critical and urgent nature of the circumstances.

a tragic incident

Emphasizes the sorrowful and unfortunate nature of the event.

an appalling thing

Highlights the shocking and deeply disturbing aspect of the matter.

FAQs

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

You can use "something terrible" to introduce bad news or describe a negative situation. For instance, "I heard "something terrible" happened at the office today" or "I have to tell you, "something terrible" has occurred".

What are some alternatives to "something terrible"?

You can use alternatives like "something awful", "something dreadful", or "a horrible event" depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it correct to say "a terrible thing" instead of "something terrible"?

Yes, "a terrible thing" is a grammatically correct and semantically similar alternative to ""something terrible"". The choice between them often depends on personal preference and the flow of the sentence.

What is the difference between "something terrible" and "something serious"?

"Something serious" suggests a grave or important matter, while ""something terrible"" indicates a very unpleasant or shocking event. The former emphasizes importance, the latter emphasizes negativity.