been hit with a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "been hit with a" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe experiencing something unexpected or difficult, often in a negative context. Example: "After the storm, we had been hit with a series of unexpected challenges that delayed our project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He had been hit with a rock.

The New Yorker

Yanukovych has been hit with a perfect demographic storm.

The New Yorker

"We have all been hit with a lightning bolt".

Independent

The developer has been hit with a Catch 22 spell.

The Guardian - Tech

Or they've been hit with a mind-control ray.

The New Yorker

Not surprisingly, private-probation firms have been hit with a raft of lawsuits.

The Economist

But Toyota has also been hit with a fresh round of recalls.

The New York Times

HBO has already been hit with a number of piracy problems this year.

Independent

Tostitos has been hit with a class action lawsuit for claiming its chips are "all-natural".

The New York Times

It was like he'd been hit with a thunderbolt, his world crashing down.

Independent

City residents have just been hit with a whopping 18.5percentt property tax increase.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "been hit with a" to convey a sense of sudden impact or unexpected occurrence, often negative. For example: "The company has been hit with a series of unexpected lawsuits."

Common error

Avoid using "been hit with a" in contexts that are clearly positive or beneficial. It generally implies something negative or challenging. Instead, opt for phrases like "blessed with" or "fortunate to receive".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been hit with a" functions as a passive construction used to describe someone or something experiencing an often negative event or situation. As Ludwig AI indicates, it conveys the sense of being impacted by something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "been hit with a" is a common phrase used to describe the experience of encountering something impactful or negative. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, predominantly in News & Media. When writing, remember that this phrase carries a sense of suddenness and often negativity, making it suitable for conveying challenges, setbacks, or unexpected events. While acceptable in most contexts, consider more formal alternatives like "encountered" or "experienced" for academic or highly professional writing. When using the phrase remember to make use of best practices and avoid most common errors. The phrase is a powerful way to express impact and convey the burden of a situation on a subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was struck by a

Indicates a sudden realization or strong emotional impact.

faced a barrage of

Highlights being subjected to a rapid and overwhelming series of actions or events.

experienced a surge of

Focuses on a sudden, intense feeling or sensation.

grappled with a

Focuses on struggling to overcome a challenge or difficulty.

encountered a wave of

Implies facing a large number or amount of something.

contended with a

Implies actively dealing with a difficult situation or problem.

came up against a

Highlights encountering an obstacle or opposition.

was subjected to a

Emphasizes being forced to endure something unpleasant or unwanted.

received a dose of

Suggests being exposed to something, often negative, in a measured amount.

underwent a period of

Suggests a process or phase of experiencing something over time.

FAQs

How can I use "been hit with a" in a sentence?

Use "been hit with a" to describe experiencing something sudden and often negative, such as "The project has been hit with a series of delays".

What can I say instead of "been hit with a"?

Alternatives include "faced with a", "struck by a", or "subjected to a" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "been hit with a" in formal writing?

While "been hit with a" is widely understood, it may be considered somewhat informal for highly academic or professional contexts. Consider alternatives like "encountered" or "experienced" for a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "been hit with a" and "affected by a"?

"Been hit with a" implies a more sudden and forceful impact, whereas "affected by a" suggests a more gradual or general influence. The choice depends on the degree of impact you want to convey.