a hit man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hit man" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person who is hired to kill someone, typically in a criminal context. Example: "The detective was on the trail of a notorious hit man who had been responsible for several high-profile assassinations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A hit man.

The New Yorker

There's a hit man.

The New York Times - Books

(The Delon character was a hit man).

The New York Times

Boy George had a hit man.

The New Yorker

Smothers never considered himself a hit man.

The New Yorker

Perhaps I can hire a hit man.

The New York Times - Books

The job is a hit man.

The Guardian - Film

A hit man from the mob?

The New Yorker

Not really a hit man, but an annoying man".

The New Yorker

She said this with impressive certainty, like a hit man.

The New York Times - Style

A hit man could have been hired for half that.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing crime fiction or non-fiction, using the phrase "a hit man" is appropriate for conveying a sense of danger, criminality, and intentional violence. Consider varying your vocabulary with alternatives like "contract killer" or "assassin" to add depth and nuance to your writing.

Common error

Be cautious when using "a hit man" in creative writing; avoid glamorizing or romanticizing the profession. Instead, focus on the ethical implications and consequences of their actions to create a more impactful narrative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hit man" functions as a noun phrase, specifically as a common noun identifying an individual who is hired to kill someone. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, showing examples from diverse and reliable sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a hit man" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that refers to someone hired to commit murder, usually within a criminal context. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage with ample examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The New Yorker. While the phrase itself is neutral in register, it's often used in news, crime fiction, and discussions of violence. Alternative phrases include "contract killer" and "assassin", which may carry slightly different connotations. When using the phrase, it's best to avoid glamorizing the profession and instead focus on the ethical and real-world implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contract killer

Replaces "hit man" with a more formal term, emphasizing the contractual nature of the arrangement.

paid assassin

Directly states the payment aspect of the arrangement.

assassin

Highlights the act of assassination, often implying political motivations or high-profile targets.

professional killer

Emphasizes the professional nature of the killing, suggesting skill and experience.

hired gun

Uses a more figurative term suggesting someone who is hired to perform a specific task, often with violent implications.

contractual murderer

Combines legal and criminal terms, emphasizing the agreement to commit murder.

mercenary killer

Implies that the killer is motivated primarily by money.

trigger man

Focuses on the physical act of pulling the trigger.

executioner for hire

Highlights the act of execution and the fact that the individual is available for hire.

someone who kills for money

Explains the role simply and directly.

FAQs

What are some alternative terms for "a hit man"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "contract killer", "assassin", or "hired gun".

Is it grammatically correct to say "a hit man"?

Yes, "a hit man" is grammatically correct. The article "a" is used because "hit man" is a singular, countable noun.

In what kind of scenarios would I use the phrase "a hit man"?

The phrase "a hit man" is typically used in scenarios involving crime, mystery, or action, where the narrative involves someone who is paid to kill.

What is the difference between "a hit man" and "an assassin"?

While both terms refer to someone who kills, "hit man" often implies a connection to organized crime, whereas ""assassin"" often suggests political motivations or targets high-profile individuals.