Meaning
Used to express shock or sadness about something bad.
Cultural Background
Americans often use 'That's terrible!' very quickly in conversation to show they are listening. It doesn't always mean the situation is a disaster; it's just a way to be polite. In the UK, people might use 'That's terrible' but also frequently use 'That's a bit of a nightmare' or 'That's rubbish' for similar situations. Australians might use 'That's no good' or 'That's a shocker' as alternatives to 'That's terrible.' In international business, 'That's terrible' is a safe way to show empathy to a client or colleague without being too emotional or unprofessional.
Tone Matters
Say it with a slightly lower pitch and a sad face to sound sincere. If you say it too fast, you might sound like you don't care.
The 'Terrific' Trap
Never use 'terrific' for bad news. It is a very common mistake for beginners and can hurt people's feelings!
Meaning
Used to express shock or sadness about something bad.
Tone Matters
Say it with a slightly lower pitch and a sad face to sound sincere. If you say it too fast, you might sound like you don't care.
The 'Terrific' Trap
Never use 'terrific' for bad news. It is a very common mistake for beginners and can hurt people's feelings!
Test Yourself
Choose the best reaction to this sentence: 'I lost my new watch at the beach.'
I lost my new watch at the beach.
Losing a watch is a bad thing, so 'That's terrible!' is the correct empathetic response.
Complete the sentence with the correct word.
Oh no! Your car broke down? That's _______!
We use the adjective 'terrible' after 'That's' to describe the situation.
Match the situation to the best response.
1. Friend has a cold. 2. Friend won the lottery. 3. Friend is late.
We use 'terrible' for bad things like being sick.
What would Speaker B say?
Speaker A: 'The restaurant was so loud I couldn't hear anything.' Speaker B: '_______'
Speaker B is showing sympathy for Speaker A's bad experience.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say 'That's terrible!'
Bad Luck
- • Lost keys
- • Missed bus
- • Rainy day
Bad Health
- • Cold/Flu
- • Headache
- • Broken leg
Bad Quality
- • Burnt food
- • Boring movie
- • Broken toy
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI lost my new watch at the beach.
Losing a watch is a bad thing, so 'That's terrible!' is the correct empathetic response.
Oh no! Your car broke down? That's _______!
We use the adjective 'terrible' after 'That's' to describe the situation.
1. Friend has a cold. 2. Friend won the lottery. 3. Friend is late.
We use 'terrible' for bad things like being sick.
Speaker A: 'The restaurant was so loud I couldn't hear anything.' Speaker B: '_______'
Speaker B is showing sympathy for Speaker A's bad experience.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, it is a very polite way to show you are listening and that you care about someone's problems.
Yes! You can use it if someone drops their ice cream or if someone loses their job. It works for both.
There is almost no difference. They are synonyms. 'Terrible' is slightly more common in daily speech.
Related Phrases
That's awful!
synonymExactly the same as 'That's terrible!'
That's a shame.
similarUsed for minor disappointments.
That's too bad.
similarA mild way to show sympathy.
That's great!
contrastUsed for good news.
