terrible amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terrible amount of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a large quantity of something, often with a negative connotation regarding the amount. Example: "The project required a terrible amount of resources, which strained our budget significantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"It's problematic now and we complain about it," she said, "and we're undergoing a terrible amount of inconveniences.

The New York Times

I'm not saying that everybody's going to be a vegetarian or a vegan, but we will be horrified by the terrible amount of suffering that we're inflicting".

The Guardian - Books

Well, John clambered up, and there was a terrible amount of screaming and fighting and thrashing going on in the thick leaves until John shouted down, "Somebody get a gun and shoot up in this tree!" The farmer hesitated.

The New York Times

"If the army is with Musharraf, he can neutralize these groups, but it will take a long time, and a terrible amount of violence in Pakistan first," said one Pakistani with intimate knowledge of the security services.

The New York Times

To my mind this would not be a terrible result, although it would have cost a terrible amount of time and money to get there.

Duke University

Head of student services Brian Weir said: "I think there's a terrible amount of pressure on young people today to succeed.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

It has required enormous consumption of natural resources, terrible amounts of environmental degradation, seriously large and troublesome urbanization and a sense that things seem a bit too crowded.

Huffington Post

So... you can't say (Sanders' proposal) represents some kind of profligate, free-spending idea that would cost us all terrible amounts of money".

Huffington Post

So... you can't say (Sanders' proposal) represents some kind of profligate, free-spending idea that would cost us all terrible amounts of money". Social Security would never have been created if Democrats had taken this position in the 1930s, since it is funded by payroll taxes.

HuffPost

A Supreme Court ruling for plaintiffs in King v. Burwell, the case that threatens Affordable Care Act subsidies in three dozen states, would unleash terrible chaos and create a tremendous amount of uncertainty in the U.S. political system.

The Washington Post

They like this terrible measure of progress because it's a terrible measure of progress.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when using "terrible amount of." While widely accepted, ensure it fits the tone of your writing and the audience's expectations. In some situations, a more neutral term might be preferable.

Common error

Avoid using "terrible amount of" solely to indicate quantity without conveying a sense of negativity or concern. Overuse can dilute the impact and make your writing seem melodramatic. Be mindful of the intended emotional effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terrible amount of" functions as a modifier of a noun, specifying a large quantity while also imbuing that quantity with a sense of negativity or undesirable excess. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is considered grammatically correct. The "terrible" serves to emphasize the adverse implications of that quantity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "terrible amount of" is a grammatically sound expression used to denote a significant quantity of something that is perceived negatively. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's commonly found in news and media, science and academic contexts, and it serves to emphasize not just the size, but also the undesirable nature of the quantity. While acceptable, it's important to consider the tone and audience, opting for more neutral alternatives in highly formal settings. Remember to use it when you want to convey both the size and the negative implications, as misusing this phrase solely for quantity without the intended negative impact can weaken your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Huge quantity of

Replaces "terrible" with a more neutral adjective "huge", maintaining the focus on a large amount.

Enormous quantity of

Substitutes "terrible" with "enormous", emphasizing the size of the quantity, while also being mostly neutral in tone.

Vast amount of

Replaces "terrible" with "vast", focusing on the extensive nature of the amount.

Large volume of

Changes the phrasing to "volume", implying a substantial quantity, often in a more measurable sense.

Considerable quantity of

Replaces "terrible" with "considerable", denoting a substantial amount that is worthy of attention.

Significant quantity of

Similar to "considerable", it highlights the importance and noteworthiness of the amount.

Substantial amount of

Focuses on the solid or concrete nature of the amount.

Excessive amount of

Highlights the surplus or overabundance of something.

Unreasonable amount of

Emphasizes that the quantity is beyond what is fair, acceptable, or practical.

Alarming quantity of

Indicates that the amount is causing concern or worry.

FAQs

How can I use "terrible amount of" in a sentence?

Use "terrible amount of" to describe a large quantity of something that has negative implications. For example, "The project required a terrible amount of resources, which strained our budget."

What are some alternatives to "terrible amount of"?

You can use alternatives such as "huge quantity of", "enormous quantity of", or "vast amount of depending on the specific nuance you want to convey."

When is it appropriate to use "terrible amount of"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize not only the size of the quantity but also the negative impact or consequences associated with it. Ensure the context aligns with this negative connotation.

Is "terrible amount of" formal or informal?

While generally acceptable, "terrible amount of" leans slightly towards a less formal register. In very formal or professional contexts, consider using more neutral alternatives unless the negative connotation is crucial.