a home run

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a home run" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a successful outcome or achievement, often in a metaphorical sense, indicating that something has been done exceptionally well. Example: "The marketing campaign was a home run, exceeding all our expectations and goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It's a home run.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm a home run hitter.

The New York Times - Sports

Jesús hits a home run.

The New Yorker

Imamiya hits a home run.

The New Yorker

"A home run is a home run.

The New York Times - Sports

(A six is like a home run).

The New Yorker

It's a home run, for sure.

The New York Times - Tech

Had a home run right-handed.

The New York Times - Sports

I have a home run swing.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"This is a home-run business".

The New York Times

Talk about a home-run.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a project with multiple success factors or stages, reserve "a home run" for outcomes demonstrating all aspects are completely achieved. Using it for partial wins dilutes the impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a home run" too frequently, especially in formal or academic writing. Overuse can make your writing sound cliché or less sophisticated. Opt for more precise and nuanced language to describe different types of success.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a home run" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a predicate nominative or an appositive. It describes something that has achieved a high level of success. Ludwig AI confirms this is a grammatically correct construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a home run" is a widely recognized idiom used to describe a significant success or achievement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and informal business settings. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse, especially in formal writing, opting for more precise alternatives like "a smashing success" or "a resounding triumph". To maximize its impact, reserve its usage to outcomes where all success criteria are met or surpassed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a smashing success

Replaces the baseball metaphor with a more general term for significant success.

a resounding triumph

Emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the success achieved.

a major accomplishment

Highlights the significance of the achievement.

a grand slam

Another baseball term, implying even greater success than "a home run".

a complete victory

Focuses on the totality and decisiveness of the success.

a phenomenal hit

Emphasizes the extraordinary nature of the success.

a breakthrough

Suggests that the success has overcome significant obstacles.

a notable achievement

Highlights the remarkable aspect of the successful outcome.

a roaring success

Indicates a vibrant and energetic success.

a crowning achievement

Implies this success is the most significant or impressive.

FAQs

How can I use "a home run" in a sentence?

You can use "a home run" to describe a successful outcome or achievement. For example, "The new product launch was "a home run" for the company."

What does it mean when something is described as "a home run"?

When something is described as "a home run", it means that it was very successful and achieved its intended goal, often exceeding expectations. It is like hitting a home run in baseball, which is the best possible outcome.

What can I say instead of "a home run"?

You can use alternatives like "a smashing success", "a resounding triumph", or "a major accomplishment" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a home run" in formal writing?

While "a home run" is widely understood, it's generally more appropriate for informal or business contexts. In formal or academic writing, consider using more precise and less idiomatic language to describe success.