this is terrible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is terrible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express strong disapproval or disappointment about a situation, event, or object. Example: "After watching the movie, I have to say, this is terrible; the plot was confusing and the acting was subpar."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is terrible — and terribly important.

The New York Times

This is terrible news.

The New Yorker

"This is terrible.

The New York Times

"This is terrible," she said.

The New Yorker

This is terrible, George.

The Guardian - Tech

"This is terrible," he said.

The Guardian - Business

This is terrible, this question.

The Guardian

"This is terrible for Tunisia.

The Guardian

This is terrible, terrible, unbelievable".

The New York Times

This is terrible for a company.

The New Yorker

"This is terrible practice," Mr. Estvan said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is terrible" to express immediate disapproval or disappointment. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While versatile, "this is terrible" can sound too informal in certain professional settings. Consider using more nuanced and professional language like "this is highly concerning" or "this presents a significant challenge".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is terrible" functions as an expressive statement. It conveys a negative evaluation or judgment about a situation, event, or object. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "this is terrible" is a common and versatile expression used to convey strong disapproval or disappointment. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, though it should be used judiciously in highly formal settings. Its frequency is high, particularly in news and media, indicating its widespread use in expressing negative evaluations. Consider alternatives like "this is awful" or "this is dreadful" for nuanced expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is awful

Changes the intensity slightly, offering a milder expression of negativity.

this is dreadful

Emphasizes the unpleasantness or poor quality of something.

this is unacceptable

Focuses on the idea that something does not meet a certain standard.

this is horrifying

Highlights the shocking or disturbing nature of something.

this is appalling

Indicates a strong sense of shock and disapproval.

this is outrageous

Suggests that something is shocking and morally unacceptable.

this is lamentable

Emphasizes the regrettable and unfortunate nature of something.

this is regrettable

Indicates a feeling of sorrow or disappointment about something.

this is a disaster

Uses a stronger term to emphasize a very negative outcome.

this is catastrophic

Emphasizes the extremely damaging or devastating effect of something.

FAQs

What does "this is terrible" mean?

The phrase "this is terrible" expresses strong disapproval, disappointment, or dismay about something. It indicates that the speaker finds something very bad or unpleasant.

What can I say instead of "this is terrible"?

You can use alternatives such as "this is awful", "this is dreadful", or "this is unacceptable" depending on the specific context and level of formality required.

Is it appropriate to use "this is terrible" in a formal setting?

While usable, using "this is terrible" in formal settings might come across as too informal. In such cases, consider more professional alternatives like "this is highly concerning" or "this presents a significant challenge".

How can the tone of "this is terrible" be adjusted?

The tone can be adjusted by adding adverbs or qualifiers. For example, "this is absolutely terrible" intensifies the feeling, while "this is terrible, but understandable" adds a layer of nuance.