terrifically

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terrifically" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something done in a terrific or excellent manner, often to emphasize the degree of positivity or enthusiasm. Example: "She performed terrifically in her role, impressing both the audience and the critics."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Hollywood film U-571 (2000), in which the Royal Navy's capture of an Enigma machine during the second world war is falsely attributed to an American crew (including chief engineer Jon Bon Jovi), was denounced in parliament by prime minister Tony Blair.

The Guardian - Film

U Myint Aye, aged 61, from Yangon, has a long track record of peaceful political activism.

The Guardian

Referring back to her iconic look in the Nothing Compares 2 U video – a huge international hit written by Prince – O'Connor admitted that she was asked by her label to reconsider her image for the 1990s video.

The Guardian - Music

In Britain, the US and France the top 1% have over the past 100 years seen their fortunes rise and fall and rise again in a U-shaped arc.

The Guardian - Business

Of these, Brundage sa id 85% – almost 600,000 – are unemployed even though many of them are employable.

The Guardian - Business

"This time it was União da Madeira, his eighth promotion, from the second division to the first tier (or seventh if we exclude last year as he was sacked before the end of the season): P. Ferreira 90-91, Académica 96-97, U. Leiria 97-98, Belenenses 98-99, Leixões 06-07, Arouca 12-13, Moreirense 13-14 and U. Madeira 14-15.

The Guardian - Sport

The U-6 number is around 13%, Yellen says.

The Guardian - Business

But on Thursday at an EU summit in Brussels, Luxembourg performed a U-turn and promised to hand over all the tax rulings to the commission after Vestager announced she was extending her inquiry to all 28 EU countries.

The Guardian

Indeed the pressure became so intense over the past 72 hours that the government was forced into an embarrassing U-turn over plans to cut allowances for younger disabled people in the republic.

The Guardian

"I guess it hurts 2 have the producers tell u to ur face that nicki is the best judge we've had since simon [cowell]," the rapper further tweeted.

The Guardian - Music

Amnesty is calling for the immediate release of Burmese human rights activist U Myint Aye, who is serving a life sentence for his alleged involvement in planning a bomb attack in the Shwepyitha Township in Yangon on 1 July 2008.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "terrifically" with strong verbs to maximize its impact, for example, "terrifically executed" or "terrifically designed".

Common error

Avoid using "terrifically" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formality can sound unnatural or overly affected in everyday contexts. Consider alternatives like "really well" or "greatly" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "terrifically" is an adverb. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to intensify the degree or quality being described. Ludwig AI classifies it as correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "terrifically" functions as an adverb used to intensify a positive quality or action. While grammatically correct, it is more suited for formal contexts and may sound unnatural in casual conversation. Ludwig AI indicates that it's best used to add emphasis and sophistication, particularly in writing. Synonyms include "extremely well" and "exceptionally", offering alternative ways to express a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Extremely well

Focuses on the high degree of accomplishment.

Exceptionally

Emphasizes the unusual or rare nature of the quality.

Remarkably well

Highlights the noticeable or surprising level of quality.

Outstandingly

Stresses the superior nature of performance.

Superbly

Indicates an elegant or refined quality.

Impressively

Focuses on the ability to create a strong, positive effect.

Magnificently

Suggests grandeur and splendor in execution.

Wonderfully

Implies a delightful or pleasing quality.

Fantastically

Emphasizes the imaginative or extraordinary aspect.

Incredibly well

Highlights the difficulty or improbability of the achievement.

FAQs

How can I use "terrifically" in a sentence?

Use "terrifically" as an adverb to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, emphasizing the high degree or quality of the action or characteristic being described. For example: "The play was "terrifically acted"." or "She is a "terrifically talented" musician.

What are some synonyms for "terrifically"?

Synonyms for "terrifically" include "extremely well", "exceptionally", "remarkably well", "wonderfully", and "fantastically". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "terrifically" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "terrifically" is suitable for formal writing. It adds emphasis and sophistication to your language. However, use it judiciously to avoid sounding overly affected or unnatural.

What's the difference between "terrifically" and "very"?

"Terrifically" implies a higher degree of excellence or impressiveness than "very". While "very" is a general intensifier, "terrifically" suggests something is exceptionally well done or of high quality. Using terrifically is often preferred over using very in more formal settings.