a smash of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a smash of" is not standard in written English and may not be widely recognized.
It could be used in informal contexts to describe a sudden impact or collision, but clarity may be lacking. Example: "There was a smash of glass as the window shattered."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

I think Mailer is a smash of a writer".

The Guardian - Books

"But when I have a smash of the racquet, smack of the racquet, I usually feel relieved afterwards.

Independent

Then Miss Hogan took ad vantage of three errors by the Texas and broke service with a smash of a short lob.

The New York Times

I think Mailer is a smash of a writer". Miller recalls Ricks as being "one of the cleverest people doing that sort of thing and he had his own way of doing it.

The Guardian - Books

In 1981, as half of Bucks Fizz was naughtily ripping the skirts off the other half, you could hear Paul Weller, of the Jam, singing about "A smash of glass and a rumble of boots / An electric train and a ripped-up phone booth".

The New Yorker

Thus, in "The Great Train Robbery," a smash of 1903, the final image of the film — after the thieves have been tracked down and shot in the woods — shows one of them, alive and unharmed, raising his pistol and firing directly at the camera.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

They were just as much of a smash out of town.

The New Yorker

Cue fist-pump (more a one-inch punch than a bolo-uppercut) and a smashing of a ball into the crowd.

The Guardian - Sport

This is better described as a whip's best friend, a political retirement home, a quantum leap in centralised power and a smashing of such shreds of pluralism as remain in Westminster politics.

The Guardian - Opinion

For the food and drink industry, every mention of a culinary company in a hit song surely equates to an instant smash of free advertising, right?

The Guardian

"A Bank Battles Poverty Weekek in Review, July 12) is a smashing synopsis of the work of the Grameen Bank of Bangladesh.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a smash of", ensure the context clearly implies a sudden, forceful impact or a significant success to avoid ambiguity. Although the phrase is not standard, its usage can add a unique flavor to informal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a smash of" in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and widely recognized terms such as "a collision", "a success", or "a destruction" to maintain clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a smash of" functions as a descriptive element, often used to depict a sudden, forceful event or, less commonly, to denote a remarkable success. Ludwig AI indicates that while not standard, its use is acceptable in specific contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a smash of" is a phrase best suited for informal contexts where you want to vividly describe a sudden impact or an unexpected success. While Ludwig AI notes it isn't standard English, its usage can add color to your writing. When choosing this phrase, consider your audience and the overall tone of your piece. For formal writing, opt for clearer alternatives like "a collision of" or ""a success"". Keep in mind it is an uncommon expression, primarily found in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crash of

Emphasizes a loud, sudden collision or breaking.

a shattering of

Highlights the act of breaking into pieces violently.

a collision of

Focuses on the impact and the event of colliding.

a destruction of

Stresses the complete ruin or devastation.

a breaking of

More general term for something being broken.

a hit

A shorter, more direct way to describe something successful.

a success

Emphasizes the positive outcome of an endeavor.

an impact

Highlights the force or effect of something.

a bang of

Focuses on the sudden, loud noise.

a rumble of

Suggests a deep, continuous noise, often associated with destruction.

FAQs

How can I use "a smash of" in a sentence?

You can use "a smash of" to describe a sudden impact, like "There was a smash of glass when the vase fell". It can also describe a successful event, such as "The party was a smash of a success".

What are some alternatives to "a smash of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a crash of", "a shattering of", or "a success".

Is "a smash of" grammatically correct?

While not considered standard English, "a smash of" can be acceptable in informal contexts. However, it's advisable to use more precise and common alternatives in formal writing.

When is it appropriate to use "a smash of"?

It's appropriate to use "a smash of" in informal settings or creative writing where you want to convey a sense of sudden impact or a surprisingly great success. Be mindful of your audience and the context to ensure clarity.