a hard blow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hard blow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant impact or setback, either physically or metaphorically, such as in sports, personal experiences, or emotional situations. Example: "Losing the championship game was a hard blow for the team, but they vowed to come back stronger next season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If struck a hard blow, it shattered.

The New York Times

"It's a hard blow for the boys and for us.

Independent

"Of course, it was a hard blow," Mr. Ponte said.

The New York Times

"If I lose, obviously it's a hard blow for me.

The Guardian - Sport

The court's decision is a hard blow for the Kikuyu elite.

The Economist

Friendly casualties were light and the enemy suffered a hard blow.

The New Yorker

He said the measures would "guarantee the population's security and be a hard blow against criminality".

The Guardian

A hard blow to exports could be enough to tip these countries into the trough.

The New York Times

The war had delivered a hard blow to Beinart's thinking, but he hadn't yet fully absorbed it.

The New Yorker

The sooner businesses understand ways in which to adapt to change, the less risk of a hard blow.

The Guardian

A hard blow to that boast is delivered this week in figures on universal credit from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a hard blow" to describe a sudden negative event that has a strong impact, either physically or emotionally. Ensure the context makes it clear what is being affected by the blow.

Common error

Avoid using "a hard blow" in situations where the impact is minor or insignificant. Overusing it can diminish its effect and make your writing sound melodramatic. Reserve it for situations with genuinely serious consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hard blow" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is used to describe a significant negative impact or setback. It commonly indicates a sudden event with detrimental consequences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a hard blow" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that describes a significant negative impact or setback. According to Ludwig, it is applicable across various contexts, with a primary usage in News & Media. While versatile, it's best employed when describing genuinely serious consequences, avoiding overuse in minor situations. Consider alternatives like ""a severe setback"" or ""a devastating impact"" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a severe setback

Replaces "blow" with "setback", focusing on the negative progress or impediment.

a devastating impact

Underscores the overwhelmingly negative effect of the event.

a major misfortune

Emphasizes the unfortunate and adverse nature of the event.

a significant setback

Focuses on the impedance of progress, particularly in a project or plan.

an adverse impact

Focuses on the negative influence or effect of an event.

a crushing defeat

Highlights the feeling of being thoroughly beaten or overcome.

a painful experience

Highlights the emotional distress caused by the event.

a bitter pill to swallow

Implies something unpleasant that must be accepted or endured.

a tough break

An informal way of expressing an unfortunate event or circumstance.

a stroke of bad luck

Highlights the role of chance in bringing about an unfortunate situation.

FAQs

How can I use "a hard blow" in a sentence?

You can use "a hard blow" to describe a significant setback or impact, such as "Losing the key contract was "a hard blow" to the company's expansion plans."

What are some alternatives to "a hard blow"?

Alternatives include "a severe setback", "a devastating impact", or "a crushing defeat", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a hard blow" formal or informal?

"A hard blow" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or business writing.

Can "a hard blow" refer to physical violence?

Yes, "a hard blow" can refer to physical violence, but it is more commonly used metaphorically to describe a negative event or setback. For example, "He received "a hard blow" to his reputation when the scandal broke."