terrific at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terrific at" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express someone's exceptional skill or ability in a particular area or activity. Example: "She is terrific at solving complex mathematical problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

(Booker would be terrific at those parts).

The New York Times

Alistair is terrific at that".

The Guardian

He's terrific at what he does".

The Guardian - Sport

West was terrific at the lump.

The Guardian - Arts

They were terrific at broadening the selection available".

The New York Times

(Most of them do; Giacometti was terrific at shoulders).

The New Yorker

We were terrific at times but couldn't get the goals.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Giambi made it a footnote with a terrific at-bat.

The New York Times - Sports

He cautioned that one terrific at-bat, or even a game or two, will not fix everything.

The New York Times - Sports

More damaging, though, are the glitches that result when you choose one of those terrific AT&T voices.

The New York Times - Tech

He was terrific at it, but it was a limited role.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "terrific at" with verbs ending in -ing to clearly indicate the activity. For example, "He's terrific at problem-solving."

Common error

While "terrific at" is widely understood, it might sound too informal in very formal or academic writing. Use a more formal alternative like "proficient in" or "adept at" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terrific at" functions as a subject complement, describing the subject's ability or skill. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used to highlight proficiency in a particular area. For example, "She is terrific at solving complex mathematical problems."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "terrific at" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express high skill or competence in a specific area. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. While suitable for most contexts, consider more formal alternatives like "proficient in" or "adept at" in academic or business environments. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media, Formal & Business and Wiki sources. When using "terrific at", be sure to pair it with an -ing verb to clearly indicate the activity, such as "terrific at problem-solving".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excellent at

Replaces "terrific" with a more standard term for competence.

outstanding at

Replaces "terrific" with a stronger term for competence.

skilled at

Emphasizes the developed ability in a task.

masterful in

Implies complete control and expertise.

adept at

Uses a more formal word to indicate skill.

amazing at

Replaces "terrific" with a more emphatic term.

proficient in

Indicates mastery and competence in a specific area.

talented at

Focuses on natural aptitude.

accomplished in

Highlights a notable achievement in a specific domain.

good at

Offers a simpler and more general alternative.

FAQs

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

Use "terrific at" to describe someone's high level of skill in a particular activity. For example, "She is "terrific at" organizing events" or "He is "terrific at" explaining complex concepts".

What are some synonyms for "terrific at"?

Alternatives to "terrific at" include "excellent at", "skilled at", "proficient in", or "adept at", depending on the specific context and level of formality you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "terrific at" in formal writing?

While "terrific at" is acceptable in many contexts, it may be perceived as too informal for very formal or academic writing. In such cases, consider using alternatives like "proficient in" or "adept at".

How does "terrific at" compare to "good at"?

"Terrific at" implies a higher degree of skill or excellence than "good at". While both indicate competence, "terrific" suggests exceptional ability.