terrific timing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terrific timing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compliment someone on their ability to do something at the most opportune moment. Example: "Your arrival at the party just as the cake was being served was terrific timing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

I had a terrific agent, and I had terrific timing.

The Guardian - Books

Still, despite his very considerable technique, his good showmanship and his terrific timing, he's physically and stylistically eccentric.

The New York Times - Arts

But he also has terrific timing, an underrated touch and a two-handed backhand that does not look cramped, as it so often does with other big men.

The New York Times - Sports

His mix of dry sarcasm, terrific timing and a sweet rasp of a voice is reminiscent of Johnny Carson (they also have similar hair).

The New York Times

That vulture has terrific timing, as do the tennis ball, the snake, the chimp and the two wooden fellows — the sweet-spirited Squeaky and the bilious Bob (also a star of "Soap") — that Mr. Johnson brings to flavorful and various comic life with his antic arm and magic voice box.

The New York Times

"This is a guy who had terrific timing, confidence, presence.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It was a perfect mix of amazing voice and terrific comedic timing.

The New York Times

She had terrific comic timing and drew laughs without losing her dignity.

The New York Times - Arts

Though her singing voice isn't as storming as his, Staunton's Lovett is far from outshone, bustling around with terrific comic timing.

Independent

In a very funny scene in which Leo brings home a girl he met at a bar (played with terrific, offbeat timing by Greta Lee), Mr. Ebert shows us both Leo's desire to lose himself in a little casual sex and the emotional frailty that he is quietly trying to conquer.

The New York Times

Plus she had terrific comedic timing and a great ability to react to other characters in unexpected ways.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "terrific timing" to commend someone or something for happening at a particularly advantageous or opportune moment. It implies a positive outcome resulting from the timing.

Common error

Avoid using "terrific timing" in situations where the timing is actually detrimental or unlucky. The phrase inherently carries a positive connotation, so it would be incongruous to use it sarcastically or in a negative context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terrific timing" functions primarily as a descriptive expression, modifying a noun to indicate that the timing of an event or action was particularly favorable or opportune. As Ludwig AI underlines, the phrase is grammatically correct. It serves to highlight the positive impact of timing in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "terrific timing" is a grammatically sound and useful phrase for describing events that occur at a particularly opportune moment. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, especially in news and media. The phrase conveys approval for the advantageous nature of something that happens at the best possible moment. While the word "terrific" can be considered slightly informal, the overall register of the phrase remains neutral. Alternatives like "excellent timing" or "perfect timing" can be used for similar effects. Remember to avoid using the phrase sarcastically or in negatively connotated contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excellent timing

Replaces "terrific" with a synonym, maintaining the same meaning.

perfect timing

Replaces "terrific" with a stronger synonym, emphasizing the ideal moment.

well-timed

A more concise adjective describing something that happened at a good time.

fortunate timing

Highlights the luck associated with the timing.

impeccable timing

Emphasizes the flawless nature of the timing.

opportune moment

Shifts the focus to the advantageous nature of the moment.

good sense of timing

Focuses on the inherent ability to choose the right moment.

strategic timing

Highlights the planning and intentionality behind the timing.

auspicious timing

Implies that the timing is favorable for success or good fortune.

providential timing

Suggests that the timing was divinely ordained or extremely lucky.

FAQs

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

You can use "terrific timing" to describe an event that occurred at a particularly opportune moment. For example, "The company's launch of the new product during the holiday season was "terrific timing"".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "terrific timing"?

Some alternatives include "excellent timing", "perfect timing", or "opportune moment". These phrases convey a similar meaning of something happening at a very suitable time.

Is "terrific timing" appropriate for formal writing?

While "terrific timing" is generally acceptable, in very formal contexts, you might consider using a more sophisticated alternative like "auspicious timing" or "strategic timing", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it inappropriate to use "terrific timing"?

It's best to avoid using "terrific timing" sarcastically or in situations where the timing is clearly unfortunate or detrimental. The phrase implies a positive and beneficial outcome due to the timing.