terribly true

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terribly true" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is very true, often with a sense of irony or regret. Example: "The situation was terribly true; we had underestimated the challenges we would face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The details here ring terribly true.

The New York Times - Books

The story he told about Ramsay's mother was horrifying yet rang terribly true.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

While there is enough comedy in "The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving" to dim the lights and butter the popcorn, Ben's plight rings terribly true.

The New York Times - Books

After the screening of the film, Wilson reputedly said, "It is like writing history with lightning, and my only regret is that it is all so terribly true".

The New Yorker

He is quoted as saying of the film: "It is like writing history with lightning, and my only regret is that it is all so terribly true".

The Guardian - Film

Then a counter-protester handed him a broadsheet, which quoted the President saying the film was "all so terribly true" and the Chief Justice saying it reminded him of his days in the Ku Klux Klan.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

In his next film, "Heavenly Creatures" (1994), which was his first tentative stab at respectability, you can see more than vestigial traces of that in-your-face genre style in Mr. Jackson's telling of a terribly sad true story from the early '50s, about a couple of teenage girls who cold-bloodedly murder one of their mothers.

The New York Times

And concealed in the darkness is all we don't want to know about our country but fear is terribly, irrevocably true.

Huffington Post

This is terribly irritating, but true".

The New York Times

How could our moral compass veer so terribly far from true North?

Huffington Post

"Nothing more terrible, nothing more true," as Larkin put it in "Aubade," terribly and truthfully.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "terribly true" to express a sense of dismay or regret about a fact or situation. It adds a layer of emotional emphasis to the statement.

Common error

While "terribly true" is acceptable, it can sound overly dramatic in formal or academic contexts. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "accurate" or "correct" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terribly true" functions as an intensifier (terribly) modifying an adjective (true). It amplifies the degree to which something is true, often adding a negative or unfortunate connotation. Ludwig AI confirms this construction is correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Books

13%

Opinion

12%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "terribly true" is a valid and understandable expression used to describe something unfortunate that happens to be true. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and is more common in journalistic content, books and opinion pieces. The intensity and informality that the word "terribly" adds, make it best suited for neutral to informal contexts. When writing for strict formal contexts, alternative terms like "accurate" or "correct" should be preferred. When used correctly, the phrase adds an element of regrettable emphasis to the true fact being discussed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

painfully accurate

Focuses on the unpleasant aspect of the truth.

sadly accurate

Highlights the sorrowful aspect of a correct assessment.

regrettably true

Emphasizes the feeling of regret associated with the truth.

unfortunately correct

Points out the unfortunate nature of a valid statement.

disturbingly accurate

Emphasizes the troubling nature of the accuracy.

depressingly real

Highlights the somber reality being expressed.

uncomfortably true

Focuses on the discomfort the truth brings.

tragically accurate

Emphasizes the disastrous aspect of a true statement.

chillingly real

Highlights how the reality may evoke fear and disturbance.

grimly accurate

Underlines the bleakness of a true assessment.

FAQs

What does "terribly true" mean?

The phrase "terribly true" is used to describe something that is unfortunately or regrettably true. It implies that the truth is unpleasant or causes distress.

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

You can use "terribly true" to emphasize the unpleasantness of a factual statement. For example: "It's "painfully accurate" that the budget cuts will affect essential services."

What are some alternatives to "terribly true"?

Alternatives include "painfully accurate", "sadly accurate", or "regrettably true", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "terribly true" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "terribly true" may be too informal or emotionally charged for formal writing. Consider using more neutral alternatives such as "accurate" or "correct" in professional or academic contexts.