terrible idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terrible idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express strong disapproval or criticism of a suggestion or plan. Example: "I think we should reconsider the proposal; it's a terrible idea to move forward without proper research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Terrible idea.

The Guardian

That's a terrible idea.

The New York Times

"A terrible idea," Iyer said.

The New Yorker

But that's a terrible idea.

The New Yorker

What a terrible idea".

The Guardian

This is generally a terrible idea.

The New York Times - Arts

That might not be a terrible idea.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, it's a terrible idea.

The New York Times

Cigar Man! That's a terrible idea.

The New Yorker

This seems like a terrible idea.

The New York Times

The store is not a terrible idea.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "terrible idea" to directly and clearly express strong disapproval or disagreement with a proposed plan or action. It's effective for conveying your negative assessment concisely.

Common error

While "terrible idea" is widely understood, overuse in formal settings can sound unprofessional. Instead, opt for more nuanced phrases like "ill-conceived plan" or "unwise approach" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terrible idea" functions as a subjective assessment, expressing a strong negative opinion about a plan or suggestion. Examples in Ludwig show its usage across diverse contexts, indicating its versatility in conveying disapproval. According to Ludwig AI, the expression is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "terrible idea" is a common and direct way to express strong disapproval or disagreement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives like "ill-conceived notion" in professional settings. Found predominantly in News & Media, this expression effectively conveys a negative assessment and discourages the adoption of a proposed plan.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awful plan

Replaces "idea" with "plan" while maintaining the negative connotation.

dreadful concept

Substitutes "terrible" with "dreadful" and "idea" with "concept" for a slightly more formal tone.

horrendous scheme

Uses "horrendous" to intensify the negativity and "scheme" to imply a potentially deceitful plan.

ill-conceived notion

Emphasizes the lack of proper thought or planning behind the idea.

misguided approach

Focuses on the wrong direction or strategy taken in the idea.

lousy suggestion

Offers a more informal and blunt way to express disapproval.

unwise course of action

Highlights the lack of wisdom or prudence in pursuing the idea.

counterproductive strategy

Points out that the idea is likely to have the opposite of the intended effect.

flawed proposal

Indicates that the idea has significant errors or weaknesses.

questionable proposition

Suggests that the idea is doubtful or uncertain in its merit.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "terrible idea"?

You can use alternatives like "awful plan", "dreadful concept", or "ill-conceived notion" depending on the context.

Is "terrible idea" too informal for professional writing?

While generally acceptable, "terrible idea" might be perceived as too direct in some professional contexts. Consider using phrases like "questionable proposition" or "unwise course of action" to maintain a more formal tone.

How to use "terrible idea" in a sentence?

You can use "terrible idea" to express strong disapproval of a suggestion or plan. For example: "Implementing that strategy without proper research is a terrible idea."

Which is correct, "terrible idea" or "bad idea"?

Both "terrible idea" and "bad idea" are correct, but "terrible idea" conveys a stronger sense of disapproval or negativity.