terribly tired

USAGE SUMMARY

'terribly tired' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a person or thing that is exhausted, for example: "I stayed up late studying and now I'm terribly tired."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Later that afternoon, four days before he would defend his World Boxing Council featherweight title, a sleepy-eyed and soft-spoken Morales didn't look so much terrible as terribly tired in his suite at the Wilshire Grand Hotel.

Los Angeles Times

The coalition partnership may not be ideal, she said, but "we were just so tired, so terribly tired, after all these years.

The Guardian

When I first met Thomas, he was terribly tired.

Independent

She is just terribly tired, and her face whiter perhaps than any you could imagine.

The New Yorker

I left because I was terribly tired and was becoming creatively restless.

The Guardian

"I do get terribly tired with the neighbourhood kids telling me, 'My mum says she wouldn't want to meet you in a dark alley,'" he said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Yes, yes, we climb up and up, we imagine we are ascending; every step is about 10 inches high, terribly tiring – and where does it all get us?

The Guardian - Arts

"We stood up all the time to operate the machine, so it was terribly tiring".

BBC

"I'm getting frightfully tired and terribly angry.

Vice

Mr. Ashcroft, who looked terribly weak and tired, "lifted himself off the bed," Professor Goldsmith recounted.

The New York Times

I have some respect for a terribly tired-looking woman who, by her own efforts, has hauled herself out of a pit, admittedly of her own digging.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "terribly tired" to emphasize a significant level of fatigue beyond just being "tired". It adds impact and conveys a stronger sense of exhaustion.

Common error

While "terribly tired" effectively conveys exhaustion, avoid overusing intensifiers like "terribly", "very", or "extremely" in close proximity, as this can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "terribly tired" is to act as a subject complement, modifying a noun or pronoun by describing its state. It is an adjectival phrase used to express a heightened state of fatigue. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

21%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

7%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "terribly tired" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English used to emphasize a strong feeling of fatigue. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys a heightened state of exhaustion. While not overly formal, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts, including news media and casual conversation. Alternatives such as "utterly exhausted" or "completely drained" can be used for similar emphasis. When using intensifiers like "terribly", it's important to maintain balance and avoid overuse to preserve clarity and impact in your writing. The phrase occurs most often in News & Media and academic sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly exhausted

Emphasizes complete depletion of energy, suggesting a state beyond simple tiredness.

extremely fatigued

Highlights a state of prolonged weariness, often resulting from physical or mental exertion.

dreadfully weary

Indicates a profound sense of tiredness coupled with a feeling of heaviness or burden.

completely drained

Suggests a total loss of energy and vitality, as if all resources have been depleted.

bone-tired

Implies a deep, pervasive tiredness that affects even the bones, indicating a significant level of exhaustion.

dog-tired

Informal expression indicating extreme weariness, often after strenuous activity.

worn out

General term for being depleted of energy and vitality, often due to prolonged use or stress.

sleep-deprived

Specifically indicates tiredness resulting from a lack of adequate sleep.

pooped out

Informal term indicating a sudden and complete loss of energy, often after a burst of activity.

run down

Implies a state of general weakness and fatigue, often due to illness or overwork.

FAQs

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

You can use "terribly tired" to describe a state of extreme exhaustion. For example, "After running the marathon, I was "terribly tired"." It emphasizes a higher degree of tiredness compared to simply saying "tired".

What are some alternatives to "terribly tired"?

Some alternatives to "terribly tired" include "utterly exhausted", "extremely fatigued", or "completely drained". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "terribly tired" a formal or informal expression?

"Terribly tired" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. While "terribly" is an intensifier, the phrase itself is generally acceptable in most writing situations. However, more formal alternatives like "extremely fatigued" might be preferred in academic or professional settings.

What's the difference between "tired" and "terribly tired"?

"Tired" simply indicates a need for rest or sleep. "Terribly tired" intensifies this feeling, suggesting a much stronger degree of exhaustion. It implies that the person is not just a little tired, but significantly and noticeably fatigued.