that is terrible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that is terrible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express disapproval or disappointment regarding a situation, event, or action. Example: "I just heard about the accident on the highway, and that is terrible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

But for the sophisticated vote-rigger that is terrible advice.

The Economist

Sometimes I'll see something that is terrible or too violent for my tastes.

The New York Times - Magazine

As a matter of scientific policy, that is terrible news indeed.

The New Yorker

The work that is good gets no more attention than the work that is terrible.

The New Yorker

Such is the root of so much that is terrible about America's economy, politics and foreign policy.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is also much, in Mr. Trump's view, that is terrible – a word he uttered 20 times.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

"Tetanus — that's terrible".

The New Yorker

Oooh, that's terrible.

The Guardian

Britcominghome Wow, that's terrible.

The Guardian

Oh god, that was terrible.

TechCrunch

That was terrible anyway".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that is terrible" to express genuine dismay or disapproval in situations where a less emphatic phrase would be inadequate. For instance, when discussing serious accidents or injustices.

Common error

Avoid using "that is terrible" in trivial situations. Overusing such a strong phrase can dilute its impact and make your communication seem insincere or melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that is terrible" functions primarily as an exclamatory expression or a declarative statement expressing a strong negative assessment or judgment. It is used to communicate dismay, disapproval, or shock, as seen in Ludwig's examples where it responds to news, events, or situations deemed highly undesirable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

12%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that is terrible" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express strong disapproval, dismay, or negative sentiment. As highlighted by Ludwig, it appears frequently in News & Media, Academia, and informal contexts, making it versatile but potentially prone to overuse in trivial situations. While Ludwig AI confirms its general correctness, users should consider the register and context to ensure the phrase's impact is appropriate and sincere. Alternatives like "that is awful" or "that is unfortunate" may be more suitable for formal or less emphatic situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's awful

Emphasizes the unpleasantness or distress caused by something.

that's dreadful

Conveys a sense of dismay and unpleasantness, often stronger than "awful".

that's horrendous

Signifies extreme unpleasantness or horribleness.

that's ghastly

Emphasizes the shocking or unpleasant nature of something.

that's appalling

Indicates strong disapproval or shock at something considered morally wrong or offensive.

that's horrifying

Expresses intense fear or shock.

that's unfortunate

Expresses regret or disappointment about an event or situation.

that's tragic

Highlights the deeply sorrowful or devastating nature of a situation.

that's unacceptable

Indicates that something cannot be tolerated or approved.

that's disheartening

Highlights the discouraging or dispiriting nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "that is terrible" in a sentence?

You can use "that is terrible" to express strong disapproval or disappointment about a situation. For example, "I heard about the factory closure, and "that is terrible" news for the town".

What are some alternatives to saying "that is terrible"?

Alternatives include "that is awful", "that is unfortunate", or "that is dreadful", depending on the specific context and intensity you want to convey.

Is "that is terrible" appropriate for formal writing?

While "that is terrible" is generally acceptable, in formal writing, consider using a more nuanced or professional alternative such as "that is unfortunate" or "that is disappointing" to maintain a more objective tone.

What's the difference between "that is terrible" and "that's bad"?

"That is terrible" conveys a stronger sense of negativity or disapproval than "that is bad". "Terrible" suggests something is extremely unpleasant or distressing, whereas "bad" is a more general term for something unfavorable.