terribly accurate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terribly accurate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very precise or exact, often with a hint of irony or sarcasm. Example: "Despite the chaos, the predictions turned out to be terribly accurate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Pretty strong — not terribly accurate — but pretty strong.

The New Yorker

For further reference too RAND lists it as 2261, but even they note that it probably isn't terribly accurate.

The Guardian

The traditional way of gathering health data in Tanzania was to collate records from clinics, but since most Tanzanians die in their homes, this was not terribly accurate.

The Economist

"Projections aren't terribly accurate over the long haul," said Dr. Nicholas Eberstadt, a demography expert at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington.

The New York Times - Science

The event, much like the Iowa presidential caucuses, has no concrete importance but is a closely watched barometer that has not, historically, been a terribly accurate predictor of winners in the September primaries for statewide offices.

The New York Times

And the problem is, GFT turned out not to be terribly accurate.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"I thought Johnny was terribly straight and accurate and beautiful to watch," said Frank Carroll, Lysacek's coach.

The New York Times - Sports

Of the seventy-three authouseshopens open to the public in the United States, not all are terribly interesting — or historically accurate.

The New Yorker

"It's terribly difficult to make accurate measurements of temperatures in petri dishes because the temperature varies all over the place," Dr. Adair said.

The New York Times

(As Walt Spangler's accurate but not terribly atmospheric set indicates, in 1941 the sign still read "Hollywoodland".) That's the same roof to which the young Helen retreats to get into mischief with a neighbor, Malcolm (Nicolas King).

The New York Times

"If I'm confident that the sound of it is accurate, I say, well, I'm terribly sorry but this is the sound we are making".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "terribly accurate", consider the context to ensure the intensity of "terribly" aligns with your intended meaning. Sometimes, a less intense adverb like "very" or "extremely" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "terribly" excessively to modify adjectives. While it can add emphasis, overuse can weaken its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Consider varying your choice of adverbs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terribly accurate" functions as an intensifier + adjective modifying a noun, adjective, or another adverb to emphasize its degree of accuracy. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "terribly accurate" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression, as validated by Ludwig AI. It serves to intensify the accuracy of something, conveying a high degree of correctness with potential undertones of surprise or irony. While versatile across contexts, it's predominantly found in News & Media and Science, requiring mindful usage to prevent over-emphasis. Alternatives like "extremely exact" or "remarkably precise" can provide nuanced substitutes depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely exact

Focuses on the meticulous and uncompromising nature of the accuracy.

remarkably precise

Emphasizes the unexpected or noteworthy nature of the accuracy.

surprisingly correct

Highlights the unexpected nature of the accuracy.

unusually true

Stresses the authenticity and factual correctness.

exceptionally faithful

Implies a high degree of adherence to an original or standard.

strikingly valid

Suggests the accuracy is noticeable and impactful.

impressively faithful

Emphasizes the admirable nature of the adherence to the original.

particularly close

Highlights proximity to a target or ideal value.

frighteningly precise

Adds a layer of unease or intensity to the accuracy.

eerily exact

Highlights the unsettling nature of the accuracy.

FAQs

What does "terribly accurate" mean?

The phrase "terribly accurate" means extremely or surprisingly accurate. It implies a high degree of correctness, often with an element of surprise or emphasis.

Is it always appropriate to use "terribly" to emphasize another word?

While "terribly" can effectively emphasize another word, as in "terribly accurate", overuse can diminish its impact. Consider using a variety of adverbs to maintain the freshness and impact of your writing.

What are some alternatives to "terribly accurate"?

Alternatives to "terribly accurate" include "extremely exact", "remarkably precise", or "surprisingly correct", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts might "terribly accurate" be most effective?

"Terribly accurate" can be particularly effective in contexts where the accuracy is unexpected or has significant implications. It can also add a touch of irony or sarcasm, depending on the tone.