terrible time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terrible time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a negative experience or a period of difficulty. Example: "I had a terrible time trying to fix my car after it broke down on the highway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a terrible time".

The New York Times

Terrible time for him.

The New Yorker

"I'd had a terrible time.

The New Yorker

We had a terrible time.

The Guardian

The singer called it "a terrible time".

Independent

What a terrible time that was!

The New Yorker

"It was a terrible time," he said.

The New York Times

"That was a terrible time," she said.

The New York Times

"You chose a terrible time to come.

The New Yorker

"It was a terrible time, a really terrible time.

The Guardian

She had a terrible time".

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "terrible time" to describe a period marked by significant difficulty, unpleasantness, or distress. It's effective for conveying strong negative emotions about an experience.

Common error

Avoid using "terrible time" merely as a vague intensifier. Ensure the context warrants the strong negative connotation associated with the phrase. Opt for more precise language to communicate the specific nature of the unpleasant experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terrible time" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "terrible" modifies the noun "time". It describes the quality or nature of the time period, indicating that it was unpleasant or difficult. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "terrible time" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a period marked by significant unpleasantness or difficulty. As Ludwig AI points out, it effectively conveys negative emotions about an experience. While versatile, it is important to consider the context and audience, opting for more descriptive language in formal settings. Related phrases like "awful time" or "horrible experience" can offer nuance. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media sources. To ensure effective communication, prioritize precision and avoid overuse as a weak intensifier.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awful time

Replaces "terrible" with "awful", providing a slightly different emphasis on the unpleasantness.

horrible experience

Substitutes "time" with "experience", shifting the focus to the overall event being unpleasant.

bad time

Uses a simpler adjective, "bad", to describe the time, making it less intense than "terrible".

difficult period

Replaces "time" with "period", changing the focus to a span of time characterized by hardship.

unpleasant moment

Focuses on a specific instance, using "moment" instead of a broader "time".

rough patch

Implies a temporary period of difficulty or hardship.

trying circumstances

Shifts the focus from time to the surrounding conditions, emphasizing the challenges faced.

hardship

A single word replacement that captures the essence of a difficult experience.

ordeal

Suggests a severely unpleasant or painful experience.

unhappy chapter

Frames the experience as part of a larger narrative, focusing on the sadness associated with it.

FAQs

What does "terrible time" mean?

A "terrible time" refers to a period or experience characterized by significant unpleasantness, difficulty, or distress. It suggests a negative and often memorable experience.

What can I say instead of "terrible time"?

You can use alternatives like "awful time", "horrible experience", or "bad time" depending on the context.

Is "terrible time" formal or informal?

The phrase "terrible time" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it is often replaced by more descriptive phrases in formal writing.

How do I use "terrible time" in a sentence?

You can use "terrible time" to describe a personal experience (e.g., "I had a terrible time at the dentist"), a broader period (e.g., "The company had a terrible time during the recession"), or someone else's experience (e.g., "He's having a terrible time dealing with his loss").