terribly hot

USAGE SUMMARY

"terribly hot" is correct and may be used in written English.
You can use it to describe intense heat experienced by an individual. For example, "It was terribly hot in the middle of the desert."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Only why is it so terribly hot?

The Economist

She thought the boy must feel terribly hot.

The New Yorker

It had turned into a terribly hot afternoon.

The New Yorker

It had been a terribly hot and dry summer.

The New York Times - Magazine

We're planning to visit Hong Kong this summer, although I know it's going to be terribly hot.

The New York Times - Travel

They put us in jail cells with what must have been 60 other inmates, and it was terribly hot and water was not made available to us.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

"It was terribly close and hot, a silence as of death hung over all nature, and man and beast lay listless and depressed in suspense beneath the incubus of the coming storm.

The Guardian

It's terribly annoying when people buy their hot dogs before shopping, though.

Vice

It was scorching hot, and the bosses were terribly mean.

Huffington Post

Here's the "hot wash": something's gone terribly wrong with Washington's soaring dreams of air power and what it can accomplish.

Huffington Post

The other side didn't look terribly promising, either: the film's title, Wet Hot American Summer, sounded like top-shelf smut.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "terribly hot" to describe an intense and uncomfortable heat experience. It's suitable for both literal and slightly hyperbolic descriptions.

Common error

While acceptable, avoid using "terribly hot" excessively in formal or scientific writing. Opt for more precise and objective terms like "high temperature" or "extreme heat" for greater clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terribly hot" functions as an adjectival phrase used to describe a noun. It uses the adverb "terribly" to intensify the adjective "hot", indicating a high degree of heat. Ludwig confirms this usage is grammatically correct and appropriate. It is frequently employed in descriptive contexts as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "terribly hot" is a grammatically correct and acceptably used phrase to describe intense heat, as affirmed by Ludwig. While it's suitable for descriptive and informal contexts, more formal or scientific writing might benefit from more precise language. Ludwig's examples show it's often found in News & Media. Consider alternatives like "extremely hot" or "scorching hot" for nuanced expressions. Use "terribly hot" when you want to emphasize the uncomfortable or extreme nature of the heat experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely hot

Emphasizes a high degree of heat, similar to "terribly hot" but using a different intensifier.

intensely hot

Focuses on the intensity of the heat, rather than just the degree.

scorching hot

Implies a burning or searing heat.

blazingly hot

Suggests a heat as bright and intense as a blaze.

unbearably hot

Highlights the discomfort and difficulty in tolerating the heat.

swelteringly hot

Conveys a humid and oppressive heat.

boiling hot

Implies a heat similar to that of boiling water.

sizzling hot

Suggests a heat that is actively causing something to sizzle or burn.

fiercely hot

Emphasizes the power and intensity of the heat.

oppressively hot

Highlights the burdensome and uncomfortable nature of the heat.

FAQs

How can I use "terribly hot" in a sentence?

You can use "terribly hot" to describe weather, objects, or environments, such as "It was "terribly hot" in the desert" or "The metal was "terribly hot" to the touch".

What are some alternatives to saying "terribly hot"?

Alternatives include "extremely hot", "scorching hot", or "intensely hot", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "terribly hot"?

Yes, "terribly" is an adverb that can modify the adjective "hot", making "terribly hot" grammatically sound.

When is it appropriate to use "terribly hot"?

It is appropriate in informal and descriptive contexts to emphasize the intensity of heat. More formal contexts might benefit from more precise terminology.