terribly practical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terribly practical" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very practical, often with a hint of irony or emphasis on its practicality. Example: "While the design may seem unconventional, it's actually terribly practical for everyday use."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

How terribly practical.

Independent

Since that solution is not terribly practical, a better way is to go after the dogs.

The New York Times

"It was not terribly practical, so we were kind of in a difficult spot," said Amanda, 34.

The New York Times

However, it's not terribly practical to sleep in the office during the day (and a bit antisocial).

The Guardian

The color makes him stand out in a crowd, not terribly practical for someone facing periodic death threats from Muslim extremists.

The New York Times

My friend Lisa, who is a casting director and terribly practical, thinks Honey moved to Los Angeles because she had a dream, but it was a little difficult to put your finger on exactly what her dream was.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Finally, a thought-provoking review, although one that is not terribly helpful on a practical level, was recently published in Chest [ 11].

Critical Care

They mark a break from the consensus view that international co-operation is not terribly helpful and not in the least practical.

The Economist

It's a plain and practical statement that is also terribly sad in its implications.

The New York Times

It's not terribly exciting, but at least it's practical and something you can both use.

Huffington Post

The causal theory that's concocted to explain the practical successes of treatment is not terribly important or interesting to the poor schlub who's thrown out his back or taken ill.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "terribly practical" to describe solutions or items that are surprisingly useful despite initial perceptions of being otherwise.

Common error

Avoid using "terribly practical" in overly formal contexts where a more direct synonym like "extremely useful" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terribly practical" functions as an adverb-adjective combination used to describe something that is surprisingly or exceptionally practical. This is supported by Ludwig, where multiple examples highlight its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "terribly practical" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe something exceptionally useful or efficient. Ludwig's analysis indicates it's often used to emphasize surprising utility, particularly in News & Media. While "terribly practical" is considered neutral, writers should be mindful of its use in overly formal contexts. Understanding its function and purpose allows for more effective communication, highlighting the unexpected advantages of seemingly simple solutions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely useful

Replaces "terribly" with "extremely", intensifying the degree of usefulness.

incredibly useful

Similar to "extremely useful", emphasizing the high level of utility.

highly pragmatic

Substitutes both words for synonyms with a focus on a pragmatic approach.

very efficient

Replaces "practical" with "efficient", highlighting effectiveness in achieving a goal.

remarkably effective

Focuses on the effectiveness, highlighting the positive outcome of being practical.

decidedly useful

Uses "decidedly" to add a tone of certainty to the usefulness.

especially convenient

Shifts the focus to convenience as a key aspect of practicality.

thoroughly serviceable

Emphasizes the aspect of being serviceable or fit for use in every aspect.

eminently suitable

Focuses on how well something fits a particular purpose or situation.

particularly worthwhile

Highlights the value and benefit derived from being practical.

FAQs

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

You can use "terribly practical" to describe something surprisingly useful. For example: "While it looks unusual, this tool is actually "terribly practical" for opening jars."

What are some alternatives to "terribly practical"?

Alternatives include "extremely useful", "highly pragmatic", or "very efficient", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "terribly practical" grammatically correct?

Yes, "terribly practical" is grammatically correct as it uses an adverb ("terribly") to modify an adjective ("practical").

What's the difference between "terribly practical" and "very practical"?

"Terribly practical" implies a higher degree of practicality than "very practical", often with a hint of surprise at how useful something is. It can also be used ironically.