this terrible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this terrible" is not correct as it lacks context and a complete structure.
It can be used in a sentence where "this" refers to a specific situation or object that is being described as terrible. Example: "This terrible situation has left us all feeling hopeless."

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In this terrible place!

The New Yorker

"Is this terrible?

The New York Times

I remember this terrible day.

The New York Times

You get this terrible claustrophobia.

The Guardian - Film

"They have this terrible insecurity.

The Guardian

I was going through this terrible breakup".

The New Yorker

They work for this terrible machine system".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We are heartbroken by this terrible loss.

The New York Times

I am uncomfortable keeping this terrible secret.

The New York Times - Magazine

He's labeling her with this terrible term.

Yale University

This terrible thing happened on your watch.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this terrible" when you want to emphasize the negative qualities of a specific event, situation, or object. Ensure the context clearly identifies what "this" refers to, making the phrase impactful and unambiguous.

Common error

Avoid using "this terrible" without a clear antecedent. Ensure your audience knows what "this" refers to. Without context, the phrase loses its impact and can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this terrible" functions primarily as a determiner phrase, where "this" specifies a particular instance, and "terrible" serves as a descriptive adjective modifying an implied noun (e.g., situation, event, feeling). Ludwig AI reports that it requires a context to be correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this terrible" is a commonly used determiner phrase to express negative evaluations. While Ludwig AI states that it is not correct because it lacks context, it is acceptable and frequently found in news, academic, and business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context makes it clear what "this" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. Alternative phrases like "this awful" or "this dreadful" can offer similar meaning. Remember, clarity is key to effectively conveying your intended sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this awful

Replaces "terrible" with a synonym indicating something unpleasant or dreadful.

this dreadful

Similar to "awful," emphasizing the causing of fear or suffering.

this horrible

Highlights the causing of horror or disgust.

this tragic

Emphasizes the element of tragedy or sorrowful events.

this unfortunate

Indicates bad luck or an undesirable outcome.

this appalling

Stresses the shocking and unacceptable nature of something.

this devastating

Highlights the destructive and overwhelming impact of something.

this calamitous

Emphasizes the disastrous nature of a situation.

this grim

Focuses on the bleak and depressing aspects.

this wretched

Highlights the extremely unfortunate or unhappy state.

FAQs

How can I use "this terrible" in a sentence?

Use "this terrible" to describe a specific negative situation or event you've already introduced. For example, "This terrible storm caused widespread damage".

What are some alternatives to saying "this terrible"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "this awful", "this dreadful", or "this horrible".

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "this terrible"?

While grammatically acceptable, starting a sentence directly with "this terrible" might sound less formal. Ensure clarity by providing context or preceding it with a clause.

How does the meaning change with different adjectives before a noun, such as "this terrible" versus "that terrible"?

"This terrible" typically refers to something closer in proximity or time, while "that terrible" refers to something more distant. For instance, "This terrible day" implies the day is recent or ongoing, compared to "That terrible day".