terrific ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terrific ability" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's impressive or outstanding skill in a particular area. Example: "Her terrific ability to solve complex problems quickly makes her an invaluable asset to the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

". . . and will to the best of my ability, which is terrific ability, by the way.

The New Yorker

He was popular in the dressing room, had terrific ability and did it in the big games.

The Guardian

"My mother," she once said, "gave me this kind of terrific ability, not to avoid pain but to turn it over and recycle it as soon as possible".

The Guardian - Opinion

But thanks to a project that seized the public imagination and showcased humankind's terrific ability to reach beyond our grasp, we all got to share in the purest joy of success.

The Guardian

John Harris, the site's editor in chief, who also has worked alongside Ms. Glasser in previous positions, said "we were attracted to Susan precisely because we well know and have witnessed at first hand her terrific ability to work with journalists".

The New York Times

"But he's incredible on the ball – I haven't seen another English player who's got the ability to start play in that manner – he can be left one v one, he's very good in the air, he reads the game fantastically well and he's got a terrific ability to adapt to different partners.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The Nest Cam IQ has some other terrific abilities, like a great microphone and speaker for intercom features, and integration with other smart products including Nest's Learning Thermostat.

TechCrunch

It's a high-strength alloy, with terrific abilities to resist wear and corrosion, and what amounts to an elastic property that allow it to make particularly bouncy ball bearings, for instance.

TechCrunch

It can hurl itself from a standstill to the standardised 62mph in 4.6 seconds, and, being turbocharged, it has terrific pulling ability without the need for the crankshaft to spin at huge speeds.

Independent

Her people have crafted her image carefully to combine her great looks with her terrific driving ability.

Huffington Post

A nice 6-foot-2, 215-pound target who caught 72 catches at a lower level, but still has terrific natural ability with a near 40-inch vertical.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "terrific ability" to highlight someone's impressive skill in a specific area. For example, "Her terrific ability to lead teams made her an invaluable asset to the company".

Common error

Avoid using "terrific ability" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "exceptional skill" or "remarkable talent" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terrific ability" primarily functions as a descriptive element, modifying a noun (person or thing) to emphasize their high level of skill or talent. As shown by Ludwig, it is often used to highlight impressive capabilities in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "terrific ability" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe someone's impressive skill or talent. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While it is generally suitable for neutral contexts, more formal synonyms might be preferred in academic or professional settings. The phrase is frequently found in news and media sources, highlighting its widespread use. Alternatives include "exceptional skill", "remarkable talent", and "outstanding aptitude". Overall, "terrific ability" effectively conveys a high level of competence and capability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceptional skill

Focuses more on the developed expertise rather than inherent capability.

remarkable talent

Emphasizes innate aptitude and natural gifts.

outstanding aptitude

Highlights a natural inclination or suitability for a particular task.

considerable expertise

Stresses the depth and breadth of knowledge and skill acquired over time.

immense capability

Indicates a great potential or capacity to perform well.

significant proficiency

Highlights the high degree of competence and skill.

notable competence

Emphasizes a recognizable and praiseworthy level of skill.

excellent prowess

Refers to exceptional skill or dexterity, often in a specific field.

impressive mastery

Highlights a comprehensive understanding and control of a subject or skill.

amazing gift

Emphasizes a unique, natural talent or ability.

FAQs

How can I use "terrific ability" in a sentence?

You can use "terrific ability" to describe someone's impressive skill or talent. For example, "The athlete's terrific ability on the field led the team to victory."

What can I say instead of "terrific ability"?

You can use alternatives like "exceptional skill", "remarkable talent", or "outstanding aptitude depending on the context.

Is "terrific ability" formal or informal?

"Terrific ability" is generally considered neutral but leans slightly towards informal. In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "exceptional skill" or "significant proficiency".

What's the difference between "terrific ability" and "great ability"?

"Terrific ability" emphasizes a more impressive or outstanding quality than "great ability". While both convey a high level of skill, "terrific" suggests something particularly remarkable.