worked terribly hard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "worked terribly hard" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the effort and dedication someone has put into a task or project. Example: "Despite the challenges, she worked terribly hard to meet the deadline and deliver a quality product."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

In one of the later letters, dated May 30 , 1960 he wrote: "I have worked terribly hard – written over 100,000 words since the end of January and every day when finish too tired to write letters".

The New York Times

In 1960, the writing was clearly progressing well, as Hemingway wrote: "I have worked terribly hard – written over 100,000 words since the end of January and every day when finish too tired to write letters.

The Guardian - Books

Like the remarkable progress we have achieved in Muslim-Jewish relations, the triumph of the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s and the election of President Obama 40 years later, are also examples of miracles that good people worked terribly hard to make happen.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"Both Jonny and Jos work terribly hard on their keeping.

Independent

Opera singers work terribly hard to cultivate these wondrous voices.

The New York Times - Arts

As Morris does mention, they do work terribly hard; the produce is beautiful and healthful.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Some of us work terribly hard," he said, "but if you analyzed my 735 colleagues you would find that some aren't quite so hard at work.

The New York Times

Nonetheless in recent games – a defeat by South Africa, a squeak past Australia – the All Blacks have needed their No7 to work terribly hard.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Allen doesn't seem to be working terribly hard in "Scoop," and while that makes for some apparent goofs and lots of ragged edges, it gives the whole thing a pleasantly carefree vibe.

The New York Times

Ms. Hanna, the department spokeswoman, said that career officials had been "working terribly hard to support the duties they normally have and the duties of the people who are yet to come".

The New York Times

Though Ms. Senna, who wrote "Caucasia" (1998), doesn't seem to work terribly hard on her sentences (example: "She finished the story at the eleventh hour and went out for a drink with her friend Jose")., she does bring daylight to issues a lot of people might have assumed were long settled.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "worked terribly hard" to emphasize the significant effort someone invested in a task, particularly when you want to convey a sense of overcoming challenges or expending considerable energy.

Common error

While "worked terribly hard" is acceptable, avoid stacking multiple intensifiers (e.g., "worked really terribly incredibly hard"), as this can sound awkward and weaken your writing. Choose the most effective intensifier or rephrase for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worked terribly hard" functions as a verb phrase emphasizing the intensity of effort expended. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is acceptable for use in written English to highlight dedication and diligence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "worked terribly hard" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to express significant effort. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not extremely common, it is predominantly found in news and media contexts. Alternatives like "worked extremely hard" or "labored tirelessly" can be used for variety. Avoid overusing intensifiers to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worked extremely hard

This alternative emphasizes a high degree of effort, similar to "terribly hard".

worked incredibly hard

This alternative suggests that the effort was beyond the ordinary.

worked intensely

This alternative focuses on the concentration and force applied to the work.

labored tirelessly

This alternative implies sustained effort without rest.

exerted oneself greatly

This alternative is a more formal way of saying someone put in a lot of effort.

put in a tremendous effort

This alternative highlights the magnitude of the effort invested.

gave it one's all

This alternative emphasizes the completeness of the effort.

went the extra mile

This alternative indicates exceeding expectations in effort.

strove mightily

This alternative suggests a determined and forceful effort.

applied oneself diligently

This alternative highlights the consistent and careful application of effort.

FAQs

What does "worked terribly hard" mean?

The phrase "worked terribly hard" means to have put a significant amount of effort, energy, and dedication into a task or activity.

How can I use "worked terribly hard" in a sentence?

You can use "worked terribly hard" to describe someone's dedication. For example, "Despite the obstacles, she "worked terribly hard" to complete the project on time."

What are some alternatives to "worked terribly hard"?

Some alternatives include "worked extremely hard", "labored tirelessly", or "put in a tremendous effort".

Is it more appropriate to say "worked terribly hard" or "worked very hard"?

"Worked terribly hard" emphasizes the intensity of the effort more strongly than "worked very hard". The choice depends on the degree of emphasis you want to convey.