a heavy blow

USAGE SUMMARY

"a heavy blow" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to something that causes a significant amount of damage, hurt or distress. For example, "The news of her father's passing was a heavy blow to her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is a heavy blow.

The Economist

This criticism struck Schelling a heavy blow.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"He had a heavy blow afterwards.

Independent

Ms. Akino's death was a heavy blow for her family.

The New York Times

Jack Straw landed a heavy blow on Ms May.

The Guardian

"It was a heavy blow when they hit".

The New York Times - Arts

But the recession dealt a heavy blow to Mr. Leviev's highly leveraged company.

The New York Times

That recall dealt a heavy blow to the company's sales and reputation in the United States.

The New York Times

A decrease of this magnitude in available income is a heavy blow.

The New York Times

But the successes of recent years have dealt risk aversion a heavy blow.

The New York Times

Without this, local morale is likely to take a heavy blow.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a heavy blow", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being impacted. Be specific about the recipient or area affected by the blow to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a heavy blow" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "severe setback" or "crushing defeat" to keep your writing engaging and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a heavy blow" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes something that causes significant damage, hurt, or distress. For instance, 'The news of her father's passing was a heavy blow to her'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a heavy blow" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a significant setback, disappointment, or negative impact. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. The phrase conveys a sense of severity and importance, making it a powerful way to describe the consequences of an event. When using "a heavy blow", ensure clarity about what is being impacted and avoid overuse by employing synonyms like "a severe setback" or "a crushing defeat". Its frequent appearance in authoritative sources highlights its reliability and widespread acceptance in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crippling blow

Suggests the damaging effect is so severe it causes significant impairment.

a severe setback

Focuses on the idea of a reversal of progress or plans.

a crushing defeat

Emphasizes the feeling of being overwhelmingly defeated.

a devastating impact

Emphasizes the scale and severity of the negative consequence.

a major disappointment

Highlights the feeling of unmet expectations.

a significant loss

Focuses on the aspect of losing something valuable.

a painful experience

Emphasizes the emotional distress caused by the event.

a bitter pill to swallow

Highlights the unpleasantness of accepting a difficult situation.

a tough break

Offers a more informal way of expressing a misfortune.

a hard knock

Suggests a difficult or challenging experience.

FAQs

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

You can use "a heavy blow" to describe a significant setback or disappointment. For example, "The company's financial losses were "a heavy blow" to its investors".

What are some synonyms for "a heavy blow"?

Alternatives to "a heavy blow" include "a severe setback", "a crushing defeat", or "a significant loss", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a heavy blow" in formal writing?

Yes, "a heavy blow" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a common expression used in news reports, academic papers, and business communications.

What is the difference between "a heavy blow" and "a major setback"?

While both phrases describe a negative event, "a heavy blow" often implies a more sudden or forceful impact, while "a major setback" suggests a hindrance or delay in progress.