terrible blow

USAGE SUMMARY

"terrible blow" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a very negative event or situation that has caused significant damage or harm. Example: The loss of her job was a terrible blow to Sarah, as she had been working at the company for over 10 years and had no other source of income.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This is a terrible blow.

The New York Times - Books

This was a terrible blow for her.

Independent

Rindt's death was a terrible blow.

The Guardian - Sport

It was a terrible blow when I found out".

Independent

We suffered a terrible blow, but we are coming back.

The New York Times

This is a terrible blow to Syrian society.

The Guardian

This announcement is a terrible blow," he said.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We suffered a terrible blow on 11 September 2001.

The Guardian - Opinion

His departure – he left a note – was a terrible blow.

The Guardian - Books

"It was a terrible blow to my ego.

The New York Times - Sports

It had to have been a terrible blow.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "terrible blow" when you want to emphasize the severity and negative impact of an event or situation. It's effective in conveying a sense of shock, loss, or setback.

Common error

Avoid using "terrible blow" in very casual or lighthearted conversations. Its intensity may be disproportionate in less serious situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terrible blow" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a verb. It describes an event or situation that has a significant and negative impact. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Wiki

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "terrible blow" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a significantly negative event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts, indicating its suitability for serious and impactful communication. While alternatives exist, such as "devastating impact" or "severe setback", "terrible blow" effectively conveys a sense of shock, loss, or setback, emphasizing the severity of the event. When using this phrase, consider the context and ensure that its intensity aligns with the seriousness of the situation you are describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

devastating impact

Focuses on the destructive consequences and widespread effects of the event.

severe setback

Emphasizes the hindering aspect of the negative event, focusing on progress being stopped.

significant setback

Similar to "severe setback" but slightly less intense, indicating a notable hindrance.

crushing defeat

Suggests a complete loss or failure, with a strong emphasis on the magnitude of the loss.

major disappointment

Highlights the feeling of letdown and unmet expectations caused by the event.

bitter disappointment

Similar to "major disappointment" but with a stronger emphasis on the negative emotions involved.

grievous loss

Emphasizes the sense of sorrow and bereavement associated with the negative event.

major calamity

Highlights the disastrous nature of the event, suggesting widespread damage and suffering.

profound shock

Focuses on the emotional impact and surprise caused by the unexpected negative event.

heavy burden

Implies a difficult and oppressive responsibility or problem resulting from the event.

FAQs

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

You can use "terrible blow" to describe a significantly negative event. For example: "The company's bankruptcy was a terrible blow to the local economy."

What are some alternatives to "terrible blow"?

You can use alternatives like "devastating impact", "severe setback", or "crushing defeat" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "terrible blow" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "terrible blow" when describing events that cause significant negative consequences, such as a loss, a setback, or a disappointment. It is best used in formal or neutral contexts, like news reports or serious discussions.

What is the difference between "terrible blow" and "bad news"?

"Terrible blow" suggests a stronger and more impactful negative event than "bad news". "Bad news" is a general term for any unfavorable information, while "terrible blow" implies a significant setback or loss.