classic hits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "classic hits" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to popular songs or tracks that have stood the test of time and are widely recognized and appreciated. Example: "The radio station is playing a special segment dedicated to classic hits from the 80s."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Mellencamp's "classic hits" made him a multimillion-selling rocker in the 1980s.

The New York Times - Arts

Instead, the show at the Forum stuck to a formula of nearly nonstop classic hits.

The New York Times - Arts

The tale comes complete with classic hits from Sir Elton's back catalogue.

The Guardian - Film

It can be an evening of gospel preaching or of back-to-back classic hits.

The New York Times - Arts

Prince has been mixing up his setlists to include both classic hits, brand new tracks and rarely-performed songs.

Independent

Ofcom has also today awarded an FM radio licence for Herefordshire and Monmouthshire to Herefordshire & Monmouthshire Classic Hits.

The Guardian

There is some rangy alt-rock to go with the classic hits, and views of lived-in Chicago neighborhoods to offset the postcard-ready skyline shots.

The New York Times

Perhaps he can soothe himself listening to Dwight Howard's new CD, which features Orlando's center singing "arena anthems and classic hits".

The New York Times - Sports

But the likes of Queen, Bonnie Tyler and Europe generated £20m for the British economy last year after their classic hits proved the most-popular soundtracks for advertisements.

Independent

The inquiry heard that the difference between "classic rock" (20%), "gold – classic hits" (15%) and "easy gold" (10%) was unclear and "not defined anywhere within the code".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Phase One kicked off with sampled snatches of his classic hits, and Phase Two is dotted with references, some more obvious than others.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "classic hits", consider specifying the genre or time period to provide more context. For example, "classic rock hits" or "classic 80s hits".

Common error

Avoid using "classic hits" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "greatest hits" or "golden oldies" to keep your writing engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "classic hits" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a direct object or subject complement. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage. For example, "The concert featured classic hits from the 80s."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Wiki

2%

HuffPost

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "classic hits" is a grammatically sound and very common noun phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions to describe popular songs that have endured over time. Usage is primarily found in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral register. To enhance your writing, consider specifying the genre or era of the "classic hits". To avoid repetition, replace it with synonyms like "greatest hits" or "golden oldies". The phrase enjoys widespread understanding and acceptability, as evidenced by its frequent appearance in diverse publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

greatest hits

Emphasizes the most successful and popular songs of an artist or genre.

timeless songs

Focuses on the enduring quality and appeal of the songs.

old-time favorites

Emphasizes the personal connection and enjoyment people have with these songs.

golden oldies

Refers specifically to older, popular songs, often from the early rock and roll era.

chart-topping songs

Emphasizes the commercial success and popularity of the songs during their time.

popular standards

Implies a widely recognized and accepted set of songs.

iconic tunes

Highlights the recognition and importance of the melodies.

classic melodies

Focuses on the musical aspect and enduring quality of the songs' melodies.

vintage tracks

Highlights the age and historical significance of the songs.

retro anthems

Highlights the nostalgic appeal and sing-along nature of the songs.

FAQs

What are some examples of "classic hits"?

Examples of "classic hits" vary by genre and personal preference, but often include songs that were highly popular and remain well-known and appreciated over time. Some examples might be songs by The Beatles, Queen, or Michael Jackson.

How can I use "classic hits" in a sentence?

You can use "classic hits" to describe a collection of popular songs from the past, as in "The radio station plays a mix of current pop and "classic hits"" or "The concert featured the band's "classic hits" from the 1970s and 80s".

What is the difference between "classic hits" and "greatest hits"?

"Classic hits" generally refers to popular songs that have stood the test of time, while "greatest hits" typically refers to a compilation album featuring an artist's most commercially successful songs. The terms can overlap but have slightly different connotations.

Are "classic hits" the same as "oldies"?

While there is some overlap, "classic hits" is a broader term that can encompass various genres and eras, whereas "oldies" typically refers to music from the 1950s, 60s, and early 70s. Therefore, not all "classic hits" are necessarily considered "oldies".