terribly long

USAGE SUMMARY

"terribly long" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is excessively long or tedious. Example: The wait at the DMV was terribly long, lasting over three hours.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Music

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was just terribly long".

The New York Times - Magazine

"It was terribly long".

The New York Times - Arts

This went on for a terribly long time..

The New Yorker

This went on for a terribly long time...

The New Yorker

TDA: Why? It's going to be terribly long and boring.

The Guardian - Music

"But not everyone can wait too terribly long".

The New York Times

After 25 years, he said, "it's the age of maturity, both terribly long and terribly short".

The New York Times - Food

Not a terribly long time for discussion, but the book is sensational and a quick read.

The New Yorker

Not terribly long ago I was a student and enthusiastic taxi user in Oxford.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The hope is this won't take terribly long," Ms. Tate said.

The New York Times

Not terribly long ago, a conversation pissoir was still a novelty.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "terribly long" to emphasize that something is not just long, but excessively and perhaps unpleasantly so. This adds emotional weight to your description.

Common error

While "terribly long" is a valid phrase, avoid using it repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms like "frightfully long" or "excessively long" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terribly long" primarily functions as an adverb-adjective combination modifying a noun, indicating an extreme degree of length. As per Ludwig, this construction is deemed grammatically correct. For example, "It was just terribly long".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Opinion

10%

Music

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "terribly long" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as an adverb modifying an adjective, conveying that something is excessively long, usually in a negative or undesirable way. While common across various contexts, including news, opinion pieces, and casual conversation, it’s advisable to use it judiciously and consider alternatives such as "frightfully long" or "excessively long" to prevent repetition. This phrase is deemed correct for use in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frightfully long

Similar in meaning, slightly more emphatic.

appallingly long

Suggests a sense of shock or dismay at the length.

immensely long

Focuses on the great extent of the length.

horrendously long

Emphasizes the unpleasant or awful nature of the length.

excruciatingly long

Implies that the length is causing pain or discomfort.

inordinately long

Indicates the length is excessive or unreasonable.

excessively long

Directly states that the length is beyond what is normal or acceptable.

prohibitively long

Suggests the length makes something impractical or impossible.

wearisomely long

Emphasizes the tiring and boring aspect of the length.

tediously long

Highlights the monotonous and uninteresting nature of the length.

FAQs

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

You can use "terribly long" to describe durations, objects, or processes that are excessively long. For instance, "The movie was terribly long, and I almost fell asleep" or "The line at the DMV was terribly long, stretching around the block."

What is a synonym for "terribly long"?

Several phrases can replace "terribly long", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Some options include "frightfully long", "excruciatingly long", or "excessively long".

Is "terribly long" formal or informal?

"Terribly long" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal writing might benefit from synonyms like "excessively long".

Is there a difference between "terribly long" and "very long"?

Yes, "terribly long" implies a stronger degree of length than "very long". "Terribly" adds an element of negativity or displeasure, suggesting the length is excessive and undesirable.