an instant hit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an instant hit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that becomes popular or successful very quickly after its release or introduction. Example: "The new song by the artist was an instant hit, topping the charts within days of its release."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hers were an instant hit.

The New York Times

It was an instant hit.

The New York Times

The sketch was an instant hit.

The New York Times

The pizza place was an instant hit.

The New York Times - Food

He said it was an instant hit.

The New York Times

The building was an instant hit.

The Guardian

Cometti was an instant hit.

The Guardian - Sport

It became an instant hit.

The Guardian

"Gone" was an instant hit.

The New York Times - Arts

He was not an instant hit.

The New York Times - Arts

These "Blue Pages" were an instant hit.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Alternatives like "a smash success" emphasize the magnitude of the success, while "an overnight sensation" stresses the speed.

Common error

Avoid using "an instant hit" when the success is limited to a small group or niche. The phrase implies broader appeal and recognition. If the success is localized, consider using more specific language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an instant hit" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a predicate nominative or subject complement. It describes something that achieves immediate popularity or success. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an instant hit" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe something that quickly gains popularity or success. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. It functions as a noun phrase, conveying immediate positive reception. When writing, consider the nuances of alternative phrases like "a smash success" or "an overnight sensation". Avoid using it when the success is limited to a niche audience. With a high expert rating and frequent usage, "an instant hit" remains a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a smash success

Replaces "hit" with "success" and adds the intensifier "smash" to emphasize the magnitude of the success.

a runaway success

Implies an uncontrollable and overwhelming level of success.

an overnight sensation

Focuses on the speed of the success, using the idiom "overnight sensation".

a roaring success

Emphasizes the enthusiastic and widespread nature of the success.

became an immediate success

Rephrases the idea by focusing on the verb 'became' instead of using an adjective.

immediately popular

Uses simpler language to convey the quick rise in popularity.

a rapid success

Highlights the speed at which the success was achieved.

took off instantly

Uses the idiom "took off" to suggest a rapid and successful launch.

a quick sensation

Combines the elements of speed and widespread excitement.

a fast success

Simplifies the phrase while maintaining the core meaning of rapid achievement.

FAQs

How can I use "an instant hit" in a sentence?

You can use "an instant hit" to describe something that quickly becomes popular or successful. For example: "The new restaurant was "an instant hit" with the locals."

What are some alternatives to saying "an instant hit"?

Some alternatives include "a smash success", "an overnight sensation", or "immediately popular", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "instant hit" without the article "an"?

While "instant hit" can be understood, it's grammatically more appropriate and commonly used to include the article "an" before the phrase, forming "an instant hit". Without the article, it sounds less natural.

What is the difference between "an instant hit" and "a slow burn"?

"An instant hit" describes something that gains popularity quickly, while "a slow burn" refers to something that gradually becomes popular over time. They represent contrasting trajectories of success.