terribly talented

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terribly talented" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who possesses a high level of talent, often with an ironic or humorous tone. Example: "Despite his laid-back attitude, he's terribly talented at playing the guitar and can impress anyone with his skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

He really is terribly talented, if a little verbose at times.

The Guardian - Books

Simon Pegg is terribly talented, very funny, such a delicious sense of humour.

The Guardian - Film

Wasson's great skill is in part his ability to keep several stories going simultaneously: Audrey Hepburn's reluctance in taking the role; how the screenwriter, George Axelrod, got around the book's gay protagonist, and transformed Capote's elegiac tale of difference into a love story featuring the cranky and not terribly talented George Peppard.

The New Yorker

But when the wide-open attack stopped working late in the season, the offensive line — described by Scarnecchia, lovingly, as "not terribly big" and "not terribly talented" — morphed into the powerful, if undersized, blockers who made the running game go in the last two months.

The New York Times - Sports

I had the boys [Jensen and Jared Padalecki, who plays Sam], and obviously they're not terribly talented actors, but they've been working on the show for long enough that they know what's going on.

Huffington Post

I also get to email with the real life superheroes, not just the ones on TV (not that they aren't terribly talented...)...

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Whether that's enough to save a moderately talented but terribly incohesive and ill-disciplined side is doubtful.

The Guardian - Sport

Rather than being "The Wicked Witch of the West" known to popular culture, she is instead revealed as a kind, talented and terribly misunderstood young woman thrust into competition by public perception with Galinda (Glinda, if you will), "The Good Witch".

Huffington Post

At last, he can get the better of the terribly annoying Schimdt, who was more talented at mathematics and the bane of his existence.

The New York Times

Incredibly talented".

The Economist

Just talented".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "terribly talented", ensure the context makes it clear that the talent is genuine, and the 'terribly' serves as an intensifier rather than a detractor.

Common error

Avoid using "terribly talented" when you intend to express that someone lacks talent. The 'terribly' here is an intensifier and should only be used when the person is indeed highly skilled.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terribly talented" functions as an adjectival phrase used to describe someone possessing a high degree of skill or aptitude. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it is often used to express admiration, sometimes with a hint of irony or understatement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "terribly talented" is an adjectival phrase used to describe someone with a high level of skill. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and primarily found in news and media contexts. The word "terribly" functions as an intensifier, emphasizing the degree of talent. Though acceptable, using the alternatives such as "exceptionally gifted" or "remarkably skilled" might be preferable in a formal setting. While it effectively communicates admiration, remember to use it when you mean to express that someone is highly skilled, rather than lacking talent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supremely talented

Similar to the original, but uses a more formal intensifier.

exceptionally gifted

Focuses more on innate talent rather than acquired skill.

remarkably skilled

Highlights the high level of proficiency achieved.

uncommonly talented

Emphasizes the rarity of the talent.

outstandingly skillful

Highlights skill that stands out from the norm.

highly accomplished

Emphasizes achievements and expertise.

extraordinarily capable

Suggests a broad range of abilities and competence.

immensely proficient

Underscores expertise in a specific area.

incredibly adept

Focuses on the quickness and skill in performing tasks.

prodigiously gifted

Implies an unusually high level of natural talent, often from a young age.

FAQs

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

You can use "terribly talented" to describe someone who possesses a high level of skill, often with an ironic or humorous tone. For example: "Despite his laid-back attitude, he's "terribly talented" at playing the guitar and can impress anyone with his skills."

What are some alternatives to "terribly talented"?

You can use alternatives like "exceptionally gifted", "remarkably skilled", or "highly accomplished" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "terribly talented" in formal writing?

While "terribly talented" is acceptable, it might be more suitable for informal or creative writing. In formal contexts, consider using "exceptionally gifted" or "highly skilled".

What is the difference between "talented" and "terribly talented"?

The word "terribly" in "terribly talented" serves as an intensifier, emphasizing the degree of talent. It suggests a higher level of skill than simply being "talented".