terrific ending

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terrific ending" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a conclusion of a story, film, or any narrative that is particularly satisfying or impressive. Example: "The movie had a terrific ending that left the audience in awe and sparked a lot of discussion afterward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

In a terrific ending to the race in Sydney Harbor, on Feb. 25 LG Flatiron was overtaken a half mile to the finish line and scored a second place for the leg, a mere 25 seconds behind the winning boat, BP.

The New York Times - Sports

We could have buckled at 3-1 down against quality opposition but we kept going and got a terrific ending to the game.

BBC

"What a terrific ending," posts canrsiegrl.

The Guardian

A refreshing dessert of berries in wine sauce with port sorbet made a terrific ending to this rich fare.

The New York Times

This is an account of rural life, but a realistic one, a novel of our modern countryside of incomers and misfits, with a terrific ending, built into the start, which snaps shut like a gin trap at the finish.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The Hollywood Reporter said: Whether you call it well informed speculative history, docu-drama recreation or very stripped-down suspense film-making, Zero Dark Thirty matches form and content to pretty terrific ends.

The Guardian - Film

"Simon said, 'The finding of the tumour: should that be at the end of act one, do you think, or the beginning of act two?' I said, 'Oh, terrific end to act one, surely?' And he said, 'Well, good for bar trade anyway.' Then he'd splutter and laugh and reach for a Silk Cut".

The Guardian

The A.V. Club's Nathan Rabin wrote that he enjoyed Kenneth's rant against his former co-workers, and said that this episode "was a terrific end to a season that wobbled for a while but ended strongly".

Wikipedia

USA 7.5 - 12.5 EUROPE (Clarke halved with Love) A terrific match ends with the right result, though Clarke will feel he should have won after missing a putt from six feet for the victory.

The Guardian - Sport

The junior guard was more disappointed that a terrific game ended on a turnover instead of a last-second shot.

Los Angeles Times

Terrific storyteller, always ending with a laugh.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the end of a creative work, such as a book or film, use "terrific ending" to convey strong approval and satisfaction with how the narrative concluded.

Common error

Avoid using "terrific ending" to describe everyday occurrences. Reserve it for situations where the conclusion is truly exceptional or noteworthy, as overuse can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terrific ending" functions as a descriptive element, typically acting as an adjective-noun combination. It modifies a noun (ending, conclusion, etc.) to express a highly positive assessment of it. Ludwig's examples show it describing races, games, books, and films, indicating its broad applicability to narrative conclusions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "terrific ending" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon phrase used to express strong approval of a conclusion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral to informal register. To enhance your writing, reserve "terrific ending" for genuinely exceptional conclusions and consider alternatives like "fantastic conclusion" or "amazing finale" to add variety. Remember to tailor your language to the formality of the context for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fantastic conclusion

Replaces "terrific" with "fantastic", altering the tone while maintaining a positive connotation.

amazing finale

Substitutes both words for alternatives that emphasize the spectacular nature of the end.

wonderful culmination

Emphasizes the positive and satisfying nature of the ending.

excellent resolution

Focuses on the quality of the problem-solving aspect of the ending.

satisfying conclusion

Highlights the feeling of contentment derived from the ending.

remarkable finish

Uses different words but retains the same positive impact.

impressive close

Highlights the quality of leaving a strong, positive final impression.

superb denouement

A more formal and literary alternative, suitable for academic or critical writing.

outstanding result

Shifts the focus slightly to the outcome achieved.

brilliant finish

Synonymous and retains the positive impact but uses a different selection of words.

FAQs

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

You can use "terrific ending" to describe a conclusion that is very satisfying or impressive. For example, "The play had a terrific ending, leaving the audience in awe."

What are some alternatives to "terrific ending"?

Alternatives include "fantastic conclusion", "amazing finale", or "excellent resolution", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While "terrific ending" is generally acceptable, consider the formality of your writing. In highly formal contexts, alternatives like "superb denouement" or "excellent resolution" might be more suitable.

What makes an ending "terrific"?

A "terrific ending" typically involves a satisfying resolution, unexpected twist, or emotionally resonant conclusion that leaves a positive and lasting impression on the audience.