terribly sad

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terribly sad" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong feeling of sadness or sorrow about a situation or event. Example: "The news of her passing left everyone feeling terribly sad."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Terribly sad.

The Guardian

Terribly sad news.

Independent

Terribly, terribly sad.

Independent

It's terribly sad".

The New Yorker

How terribly sad.

The New York Times

It is terribly sad.

The Telegraph

Perroncel looks terribly sad.

The Guardian

It was terribly sad.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I just feel terribly sad.

The New York Times

It's terribly sad," he says.

Independent

'Seems terribly sad doesn't it?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "terribly sad", ensure the context clearly conveys the reason for the sadness. Providing specific details enhances the emotional impact on the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "terribly sad" in situations that are only mildly disappointing. Reserve it for truly significant and sorrowful events to maintain its impact and avoid sounding overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terribly sad" primarily functions as an adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun to describe a state of deep sorrow or unhappiness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

4%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "terribly sad" is a common and grammatically sound way to express deep sorrow. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, highlighting its frequent appearance in news and media. While versatile, reserving it for appropriately significant events ensures its emotional impact isn't diluted. For nuanced expression, consider alternatives like "deeply saddened" or "exceptionally tragic".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely sorrowful

Emphasizes the depth of sorrow, similar to "terribly sad" but with a more formal tone.

deeply saddened

Highlights the feeling of sadness, but with a slightly different emphasis on the emotional impact.

profoundly sorrowful

Similar to "terribly sad" but with a more elevated and formal tone.

utterly heartbreaking

Emphasizes the emotional pain and distress caused by the situation.

exceptionally tragic

Highlights the tragic nature of the event, implying a deep sense of loss and sorrow.

incredibly unfortunate

Focuses on the misfortune of the situation rather than the sadness it evokes.

remarkably depressing

Focuses on the depressing aspect of the situation, suggesting a strong negative impact on mood.

grievously unfortunate

Emphasizes the unfortunate nature of the situation and the grief it causes.

bitterly disappointing

Highlights the disappointment associated with the sadness, suggesting unmet expectations.

woefully unfortunate

Highlights the unfortunate nature with a tone of lament.

FAQs

What does "terribly sad" mean?

The phrase "terribly sad" expresses a strong feeling of sadness or sorrow. It indicates that something is deeply unfortunate and evokes significant emotional distress.

What can I say instead of "terribly sad"?

You can use alternatives like "deeply saddened", "extremely sorrowful", or "utterly heartbreaking" depending on the context.

Is "terribly sad" an appropriate phrase to use in formal writing?

Yes, "terribly sad" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when conveying genuine sorrow or lament. However, consider alternatives like "profoundly sorrowful" for a more elevated tone.

How can I make my writing more impactful when using "terribly sad"?

To enhance the impact, provide specific details about what caused the sadness. This helps the reader connect with the emotion and understand the gravity of the situation, making the expression more meaningful and poignant.