terribly want

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terribly want" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong desire or longing for something, often in an informal context. Example: "I terribly want to visit Paris this summer and experience the culture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It depends on unshaken confidence that Cuba has the finest leaf, the most artisanal cigar-making factories and the best craft tradition.Cigar importers and smokers all terribly want to go on believing those things about their cherished Havanas.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

A song with a refrain like "Relationships I don't know why, they never work out they just make you cry / but the guy that says goodbye to you is out of his mind," could only be written by a guy who once spoke those words to a woman -- or at least terribly wanted to.

Huffington Post

Thomas told her he had had a terrible week, had missed her terribly and wanted to go to bed with her.

Wikipedia

"I had so many students coming in terribly upset, wanting desperately to be at the university, but needing to know their families were O.K. We were constantly calling home".

The New York Times

Even if you're far away from your partner, and you miss them terribly, nobody wants to read about how you're trumping around the house, and can't eat or go out because of your unending devotion.

WikiHow

On one hand, there are recent turkeys like Fram and Afterlife, appearing to confirm that we're still not terribly sure we want any verse at all back on stage just yet, thank you very much.

The Guardian

Uglow's own books similarly originate in an eagerness to share her sense of enthrallment: "I always get terribly excited and want to say to other people 'Hey, look'".

The Guardian - Books

By welcoming what she called the "qualified primary" system Labour has chosen for picking its candidate she is endorsing pitching a big tent, but by insisting on "never forgetting the acrid smell of poverty" she invokes the old time Labour religion that London party activists, not terribly Blairite, will want to hear from her.

The Guardian

About how the people who do such things are hurting terribly and they want the world to hurt with them.

Huffington Post

Problem number one: They're the most powerful family in the world(s) and not terribly cooperative; they want the crime solved but with minimal fuss.

Huffington Post

The battle lines are drawn: to mix metaphors rather terribly, the publishers want their goose back and laying eggs, while the scientists want their giants back, so that they can see just a bit farther and gain a bit more insight.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "terribly want" to express a strong, often somewhat informal, desire. It's more emphatic than simply saying "want" and can add color to your writing. For instance, instead of saying “I want to see that movie,” try “I terribly want to see that movie” to convey more eagerness.

Common error

While "terribly want" can be effective, avoid using it too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound melodramatic or insincere. Vary your language by using synonyms like "really desire" or "deeply crave" to maintain a natural and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terribly want" functions as an intensifier (terribly) modifying a verb (want). It amplifies the degree of desire, indicating a strong feeling. As Ludwig AI points out, this emphasizes the desire more vividly.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "terribly want" is a phrase used to express a strong desire or longing. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct, although somewhat informal. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "really want", it adds emphasis to your expression. The phrase appears primarily in news and media, and it's advisable to use it sparingly to prevent your writing from sounding overly dramatic. Remember to consider your audience and context when choosing between "terribly want" and more formal alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

really desire

Replaces "terribly" with "really", emphasizing the strength of the desire.

deeply crave

Uses "crave" to suggest a more intense longing than "want".

earnestly wish

Emphasizes the sincerity and seriousness of the desire.

fervently hope

Focuses on the hopeful anticipation of getting what is wanted.

intensely long for

Uses "long for" to suggest a sustained and profound desire.

passionately yearn for

Conveys a powerful and emotional longing.

badly need

Shifts the focus to necessity rather than desire.

have a strong urge for

Introduces the concept of an "urge", suggesting an impulsive desire.

be dying for

An idiomatic expression indicating a very strong desire.

be desperate for

Indicates a feeling of urgency and great need.

FAQs

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

"Terribly want" is used to express a strong desire. For example, "I terribly want to travel to Japan" indicates a strong wish to visit Japan.

What's a good alternative to "terribly want"?

Alternatives include "really desire", "deeply crave", or "earnestly wish", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "terribly want" formal or informal?

"Terribly want" is generally considered informal. In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "earnestly desire" or "strongly desire".

What does it mean to "terribly want" something?

To "terribly want" something means to desire it very strongly. It suggests a greater intensity of desire than simply "wanting" something.