terrific

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'terrific' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express something that is wonderful, excellent, or impressive. Example sentence: I thought the performance was terrific.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Victoria Jaye, head of TV content for the BBC iPlayer, said on a BBC blog there had been a "significant surge in BBC iPlayer usage, as people all over the country un-wrap new devices and take the opportunity to enjoy our terrific range of programmes, at a time that suits them".

The Guardian

David Cameron and Nick Clegg welcomed the announcement by the fast food giant, and Clegg said work at McDonald's helps young people "to develop their skills and confidence" and gives them "a terrific opportunity to move up within the company, or use their experience and training to move into other jobs".

The Guardian - Money

Rangers had threatened to run over the top of their city rivals within five minutes as the youngster Jamie Ness crashed home a terrific long-range drive and Steven Davis shot against the Celtic crossbar.

The Guardian - Sport

Foxcatcher has terrific performances from three of the most talented and versatile actors working in Hollywood today: Carell, Tatum and Ruffalo.

The Guardian - Film

"I was upset that my family and friends were subjected to this type of behaviour and that it still exists within the AFL, as they have done a terrific job in educating society that racial vilification is unacceptable.

The Guardian - Sport

"For a club like ours it's terrific we can finish 11th while some massive clubs were relegated," the manager said.

The Guardian - Sport

There's a terrific film to be made about Cecil Rhodes, but it would be a lot sharper and darker than this.

The Guardian - Film

She's on a terrific salary, of course, though she jokes that the hourly rate mightn't be quite so good.

The Guardian

The home side's half-backs Danny Care and Evans were lighting fires all over the pitch to inspire some terrific running rugby but, for once, Evans was wayward with his kicking at goal, missing three chances to stretch the lead.

The Guardian - Sport

Then at least when Mr T rejoins the fray, he'll have a terrific tan.

The Guardian - Travel

I think you'd be terrific as The Master.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "terrific" to express strong approval or admiration. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, adding emphasis to positive descriptions.

Common error

While "terrific" is widely understood and accepted, overuse can make your writing sound less sophisticated. In formal contexts, consider substituting with synonyms like "excellent" or "outstanding" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "terrific" primarily functions as an evaluative descriptor, attributing a high degree of positive quality to the noun it modifies. Ludwig examples show its application in varied scenarios, affirming its role as an indicator of excellence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "terrific" functions as an adjective that expresses strong approval and satisfaction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. While its register is mostly neutral, overuse in highly formal contexts should be avoided. As evidenced by numerous examples, "terrific" is commonly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and other general contexts. Alternatives such as ""wonderful"" or ""excellent"" may be suitable depending on the desired level of formality. Keep in mind the nuanced difference with ""amazing"", which expresses surprise more than pure quality. Therefore, "terrific" is a useful and versatile adjective for conveying positive sentiment in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wonderful

Indicates great pleasure or satisfaction; a slightly more general term.

excellent

Suggests a very high quality or standard; more formal and precise.

fantastic

Implies something is remarkably good or impressive; often used with enthusiasm.

amazing

Conveys a sense of wonder or astonishment; emphasizes the surprising nature of something.

outstanding

Highlights something that stands out from others due to its exceptional qualities.

remarkable

Emphasizes the noteworthy or unusual nature of something.

superb

Suggests a very high level of skill or quality; often used in formal contexts.

splendid

Implies something is magnificent or impressive; a more old-fashioned term.

brilliant

Indicates exceptional intelligence, skill, or accomplishment; can also mean very bright or shining.

marvelous

A slightly less common synonym that conveys a sense of wonder and delight.

FAQs

How to use "terrific" in a sentence?

You can use "terrific" to describe something excellent or wonderful. For example, "The concert was terrific" or "She did a terrific job on the presentation".

What can I say instead of "terrific"?

You can use alternatives like "wonderful", "excellent", or "fantastic" depending on the context.

Is "terrific" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "terrific" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but consider using more precise synonyms like "outstanding" or "superb" for a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "terrific" and "amazing"?

"Terrific" generally implies something is very good or excellent, while "amazing" suggests something is surprising or causing wonder. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.