terrible
- terribly
‘terrible’
The adjective terrible is used in two ways. In conversation and in less formal writing, you use it to say that something is very unpleasant or of very poor quality.
I know this has been a terrible shock to you.
His eyesight was terrible.
In writing or conversation, you use terrible to say that something is very shocking or distressing.
That was a terrible air crash last week.
‘terribly’
The adverb terribly is sometimes used for emphasizing how shocking or distressing something is.
My son has suffered terribly. He has lost his best friend.
The wound bled terribly.
However, terribly is much more commonly used as a stronger word than ‘very’ or ‘very much’.
I'm terribly sorry.
We all miss him terribly and are desperate for him to come home.
It's a terribly dull place.
Be careful
Don't use ‘terribly’ like this in formal writing.
Don't use ‘terribly’ like this in formal writing.