terrific bit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terrific bit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a particularly good or impressive part of something, such as a story, performance, or piece of writing. Example: "That was a terrific bit of dialogue that really captured the character's emotions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

There are no easy answers – it's a terrific bit of work.

The Guardian

There's also a terrific bit in which Hamlet lets his former schoolmates know that he will always one-up them, as he fingers a recorder like a snake charmer while talking to Polonius.

The New York Times

And in one terrific bit of interpolated business, the toll taken by battle between England and France is registered by having those nations' monarchs meet several times, repeating exactly the same lines.

The New York Times

It's also a just plain terrific bit of family entertainment".

Wikipedia

On the assembly line at Armadyne (the "A" and "D" prominent in its logo, à la Huxley's year-of-our-Ford) Max assembles the androids controlling his life (making for a terrific bit of materialistic determinism).

Huffington Post

His answer is interrupted by a knock on the black plane of bullet-proof glass, which comes down like a curtain (making for a terrific bit of foreshadowing) and Torval apprises him of an in increase in the general threat level.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Mr. Power supplies Mr. Parke with some terrific bits of rhymed braggadocio.

The New York Times

Yet even as the tension builds toward an unsettling climax, there are terrific bits of comedy, the best of them provided by Daniel Loeser as Ray, Pato's dim-bulb brother.

The New York Times

But the sushi is terrific, every bit of it.

The New York Times

Terrific piece.

The New Yorker

It's terrific -- bits of squid and tuna in a freshly sweet liquid of lemon grass, ginger, lime leaves and Thai basil.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "terrific bit" to positively emphasize a specific, noteworthy segment of a larger work or event. For example, highlight a "terrific bit" of acting in a play review or a "terrific bit" of innovation in a product analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "terrific bit" in highly formal or academic writing where more sophisticated or precise vocabulary might be preferred. Opt for alternatives like "significant section" or "notable component" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terrific bit" functions as a descriptive phrase. Ludwig confirms that it typically modifies a noun to emphasize a particularly good or impressive aspect. Based on the examples, it's used to highlight noteworthy segments in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

12%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "terrific bit" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a particularly impressive segment or part of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions descriptively and expresses admiration or approval. While suitable for various contexts, it may be less appropriate for highly formal writing. Alternative phrases include "fantastic piece" or "great segment". The phrase is mostly found in News & Media and Wiki domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fantastic piece

Replaces "terrific" with "fantastic" and "bit" with "piece", maintaining a similar positive connotation but emphasizing a more complete element.

great segment

Substitutes "terrific" with "great" and "bit" with "segment", suggesting a distinct section or part of something.

excellent portion

Replaces "terrific" with "excellent" and "bit" with "portion", indicating a notable share or component.

remarkable section

Substitutes "terrific" with "remarkable" and "bit" with "section", emphasizing the noteworthiness of a specific part.

outstanding segment

Replaces "terrific" with "outstanding" and "bit" with "segment", highlighting the exceptional quality of a section.

wonderful part

Replaces "terrific" with "wonderful" and "bit" with "part", giving a slightly more informal and appreciative tone.

superb segment

Uses "superb" instead of "terrific", suggesting an exceptional quality within a section.

exceptional piece

Replaces "terrific" with "exceptional" and "bit" with "piece", stressing the unusual excellence of something.

notable portion

Replaces "terrific" with "notable" and "bit" with "portion", focusing on the significance of the segment.

impressive section

Replaces "terrific" with "impressive" and "bit" with "section", emphasizing the admirable qualities of a part.

FAQs

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

Use "terrific bit" to describe a particularly good or impressive part of something, like "That scene was a terrific bit of acting" or "The presentation included a terrific bit of data analysis".

What can I say instead of "terrific bit"?

You can use alternatives like "fantastic piece", "great segment", or "excellent portion" depending on the context.

Is "terrific bit" too informal for academic writing?

While generally acceptable, "terrific bit" may be considered slightly informal for academic writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "significant section" or "notable component".

What makes "terrific bit" different from "good part"?

"Terrific bit" emphasizes a higher level of excellence and impressiveness compared to the more general term "good part". "Terrific" conveys a sense of outstanding quality or skill.