this sounds terrible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this sounds terrible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express disapproval or concern about a situation, idea, or proposal that has been presented. Example: "After hearing the details of the plan, I must say, this sounds terrible and needs to be reconsidered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"This sounds terrible to say, but it's also true — you know, she's cute," he says.

The New Yorker

This sounds terrible, because it sounds so ungrateful, but I'm never as excited by the aftermath of things: whether or not they are successful.

The Guardian - Music

I lost my motivation and, I know this sounds terrible, but I felt happiness after losing to Rogan because it meant I could get out of my contract.

The Guardian - Sport

When two friends died recently, both in freak accidents, I felt sad, but to feel just grief was almost (this sounds terrible, but it is true) a kind of joy: "Will you become depressed doing your depression piece?" everyone has asked me.

The New Yorker

This sounds terrible, but I never considered the levels of those kids.

Functional Linguistics

I know this sounds terrible but I've never considered whether I'm okay with it or not.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Maybe that sounds terrible.

The New Yorker

I can't lie, that sounds terrible.

The Guardian

I know that sounds terrible but it's true sometimes".

The New York Times - Sports

I know, I know: That sounds terrible to my fellow control freaks.

University of California, Berkeley

Wait, no, that sounds terrible.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "this sounds terrible", follow it with a specific explanation of why it sounds terrible to provide constructive feedback or express your concerns clearly.

Common error

Avoid using "this sounds terrible" as a standalone statement. Without providing context or specific reasons, it can come across as dismissive or rude. Always explain your reasoning to ensure your feedback is constructive and well-received.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this sounds terrible" functions as an evaluative statement, expressing a negative assessment or disapproval of something that has been described or proposed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly conveys a negative sentiment based on initial information.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

13%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "this sounds terrible" is a common and grammatically correct way to express disapproval or concern. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English. While its frequency is high across various sources, particularly in News & Media, it's essential to use it judiciously and provide context to avoid being perceived as dismissive. Alternatives like "that sounds awful" or "that doesn't sound good" can be used to soften the tone in formal settings. Overall, this phrase effectively conveys negative sentiment and signals the need for further evaluation or adjustment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that sounds awful

Replaces "terrible" with "awful", conveying a similar sense of something being unpleasant or undesirable.

that sounds dreadful

Uses "dreadful" instead of "terrible", suggesting a more intense feeling of unpleasantness or dismay.

that sounds horrible

Substitutes "terrible" with "horrible", emphasizing the shocking or offensive nature of something.

that sounds unpleasant

Replaces "terrible" with "unpleasant", offering a milder, more polite expression of disapproval.

that doesn't sound good

Expresses concern by stating the opposite of something positive, indicating potential problems.

that sounds concerning

Focuses on the worrying or alarming aspect of something, highlighting its potential for negative consequences.

that's not ideal

Understates the negativity, implying something is less than perfect or desirable.

that gives me cause for concern

Shifts the focus to the speaker's reaction, expressing worry or apprehension.

I don't like the sound of that

Indicates a personal aversion or unease towards something, rather than a direct judgment of its quality.

I'm not sure about that

Expresses doubt or skepticism about something, without explicitly stating disapproval.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "that sounds awful", "that sounds dreadful", or "that doesn't sound good" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "this sounds terrible"?

It's appropriate to use "this sounds terrible" when you genuinely disapprove of or are concerned about something, and you're prepared to explain your reasons. It's best used in situations where constructive criticism is welcome.

Is "this sounds terrible" too harsh of a phrase to use?

Whether "this sounds terrible" is too harsh depends on the context and your relationship with the person you're speaking to. In formal settings, it may be more appropriate to use milder alternatives. In informal settings, it may be acceptable as long as you explain your reasoning.

What's the difference between "this sounds terrible" and "this is terrible"?

"This sounds terrible" refers to the initial impression or expectation based on what you've heard, while "this is terrible" is a statement about the actual reality or experience. The former implies potential issues, while the latter confirms existing problems.