a major blow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major blow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant setback or disappointment in various contexts, such as personal, professional, or sports-related situations. Example: "Losing the championship game was a major blow to the team's morale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a major blow.

The New York Times - Sports

"To lose Snodgrass was a major blow.

Independent

This news is a major blow.

The New York Times

Amar'e's injury is obviously a major blow.

The New York Times

Enron was a major blow, too.

The New York Times

The news is a major blow to Labour.

The Economist

"That would be a major blow to our industry".

The New Yorker

The Benin forward's absence will come as a major blow.

Independent

The loss of Evans could be a major blow.

Independent

"This is just a major blow," the mayor said.

The New York Times

Some park advocates see the cuts as a major blow.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a major blow", consider whether alternatives like "significant setback" or "crushing defeat" might be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "a major blow" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations with substantial and lasting consequences, otherwise the phrase loses its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major blow" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a significant setback, disappointment, or negative impact. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a major blow" is a widely used and grammatically correct phrase that signifies a significant setback, disappointment, or negative impact. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It is frequently found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts. Related phrases include "a significant setback" and "a crushing defeat". When using this phrase, ensure that the context warrants its strong connotation to avoid overstatement. The phrase serves to emphasize the severity of an adverse event and is suitable for neutral registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant setback

Emphasizes the idea of a setback more directly.

a serious setback

Highlights the gravity of the setback.

a crushing defeat

Focuses on the aspect of defeat being overwhelming.

a devastating setback

Stresses the destructive nature of the setback.

a heavy loss

Highlights the aspect of loss or something being lost.

a painful setback

Emphasizes the emotional impact of the setback.

a bitter disappointment

Highlights the feeling of disappointment.

a stroke of bad luck

Attributes the event to misfortune or chance.

an unfortunate event

Focuses on the regrettable nature of the occurrence.

a turn for the worse

Indicates a change in circumstances towards a less favorable situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a major blow" to describe a significant setback or disappointment. For example, "The team's loss in the final game was "a major blow" to their morale".

What can I say instead of "a major blow"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant setback", "a serious setback", or "a crushing defeat" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a major blow" or "a major setback"?

Both "a major blow" and "a major setback" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "A major blow" emphasizes the impact or shock, while "a major setback" focuses on the hindrance to progress.

What's the difference between "a major blow" and "a heavy loss"?

"A major blow" refers to a sudden and significant negative event, while "a heavy loss" typically describes the result of that event, such as losing a loved one or a substantial amount of money. The former can be the cause of the latter.