terrific speed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terrific speed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is happening very quickly or at a high rate of speed. Example: "The athlete completed the race with terrific speed, leaving the competition far behind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Sent with terrific speed, but with a high.

The New York Times - Magazine

Dexter and I emptied our plates with terrific speed.

The New York Times

Such dangers notwithstanding, kiteboarding has spread with terrific speed.

The New York Times - Magazine

The bob was going at a terrific speed and could not get round the bend.

The New York Times

Roger Clemens, with his terrific speed, can pitch him up and in.

The New York Times - Sports

The definition of a hot dad is evolving at terrific speed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

They say they worry about the building's size (with a footprint of up to 70,000 square feet, it is larger than a football field) and the traffic it might draw to the cobbled streets of Brooklyn Heights, while pointing out the relatively obscure nature of track cycling, in which riders on fixed-gear bicycles without brakes travel at terrific speeds around curves banked at 45-degree angles.

The New York Times

By the time the locomotives met, they were going at terrific speeds.

Los Angeles Times

A craft that can move at terrific speeds in excess of 1,000 knots, and then stop on a dime, maintains altitude, can change altitude, climb, descend.

HuffPost

In my opinion, this glowing object was clearly no weather balloon, aircraft or satellite". "The object is not moving at any terrific speeds and not demonstrating any specific movement that calls it out as anything other than a high flying balloon.

HuffPost

"At one time, he had terrific vertical speed.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing motion or progress, use "terrific speed" to emphasize not only the fast pace but also the impressive or remarkable nature of the speed.

Common error

While "terrific speed" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or scientific writing. Opt for alternatives like "significant velocity" or "remarkable pace" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terrific speed" functions as a noun phrase where "terrific" modifies the noun "speed". It describes the attribute of something moving or occurring at a notably high rate. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples of the phrase in context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "terrific speed" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that effectively conveys a sense of impressive quickness. Ludwig's analysis indicates its widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to consider the specific context and audience when choosing between "terrific speed" and more formal alternatives such as "remarkable pace" or "significant velocity". As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is a reliable way to emphasize the exceptional nature of speed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkable pace

Replaces "speed" with "pace", emphasizing the rate of movement or progress. "Remarkable" implies that the speed is noteworthy or exceptional.

amazing velocity

Swaps "speed" for "velocity", which refers to the rate of change of an object's position with respect to time. "Amazing" suggests astonishment at the great speed.

incredible swiftness

"Swiftness" highlights the quickness and agility, and "incredible" denotes it's difficult to believe.

extraordinary quickness

"Quickness" focuses on the ability to move or react rapidly, "extraordinary" implies it's beyond the ordinary.

stunning rapidity

"Rapidity" implies a very fast pace or rate, and "stunning" suggests it's so impressive it's almost shocking.

exceptional briskness

"Briskness" describes a quick and energetic pace, and "exceptional" denotes high quality and unusualness.

phenomenal celerity

"Celerity" emphasizes promptness and swiftness of action, while "phenomenal" denotes something outstanding and remarkable.

blinding speed

Uses "blinding" to intensify the sense of speed, suggesting that it is so fast as to be disorienting.

breakneck speed

Implies a very high speed that is potentially dangerous or risky.

lightning speed

Compares the speed to that of lightning, emphasizing its suddenness and intensity.

FAQs

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

You can use "terrific speed" to describe something moving or progressing very quickly and impressively. For example: "The runner completed the race with "terrific speed"".

What are some alternatives to "terrific speed"?

Some alternatives include "remarkable pace", "amazing velocity", or "incredible swiftness". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "terrific speed" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "terrific speed" might sound slightly informal in very formal or scientific contexts. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "significant velocity".

What is the difference between "terrific speed" and "terrifying speed"?

"Terrific speed" implies impressive speed, whereas "terrifying speed" suggests a speed that causes fear. The words have opposite connotations.