critical hits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "critical hits" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in gaming contexts to refer to a successful attack that deals significantly more damage than a normal hit. Example: "In the game, landing a critical hit can turn the tide of battle and defeat even the strongest enemies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The film became one of the year's critical hits.

The Guardian - Film

His supporters point to a career of popular and critical hits.

The Guardian

Mr. Domingo has taken a lot of critical hits for his conducting.

The New York Times - Arts

On Ortiz's two critical hits in Game 3, he proved that.

The New York Times - Sports

His stint at Intermedia brought critical hits like "Adaptation" but was short on box office success.

The New York Times

It was one of London's biggest critical hits, a dark-tinged, up-to-date revival of a classic American musical.

The New York Times

Both in last year's postseason and early in this year's, Alfonzo produced critical hits for the Mets.

The New York Times - Sports

Pixar, which Disney bought in 2006, has delivered an unprecedented 11 commercial and critical hits in a row.

The New York Times

Here again, however, several shows are not going to make the cut, as the competition includes the critical hits "True West," "Dirty Blonde" and "Copenhagen".

The New York Times

If they can't see the biggest critical hits of the year, it hardly bodes well for the foreign and short film categories.

The Guardian - Film

A happy and well-fed Pokémon has the potential to surprise you in battle by landing more critical hits, and surviving would-be one hit takedowns.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In film or theater reviews, "critical hits" refers to works that are well-received by critics.

Common error

Avoid using "critical hits" in contexts where it doesn't logically apply, such as describing minor setbacks. This phrase implies significant impact or success. Instead use alternative words to describe what you're talking about.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "critical hits" is as a noun phrase, often functioning as the subject or object of a sentence. This is supported by Ludwig, indicating it refers to impactful successes or attacks in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

17%

Tech

7%

Less common in

Sports

5%

Arts

5%

Magazine

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "critical hits" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase, particularly in gaming and media contexts. According to Ludwig, it refers to significant successes or high-impact events. While most frequently encountered in News & Media and Wiki sources, its usage can range from informal gaming discussions to more neutral news reporting. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure it accurately reflects a substantial impact or accomplishment. Understanding its connotations in different fields is essential for appropriate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decisive strikes

Highlights the conclusive nature of the attacks, often in strategic contexts.

crucial successes

Emphasizes the importance and necessity of the successful outcomes.

significant blows

Emphasizes the forceful and damaging impact, typically in a metaphorical sense.

powerful attacks

Focuses on the strength and impact of offensive maneuvers.

devastating blows

Emphasizes the destructive and overwhelming effect of the strikes.

major successes

Focuses on the achievement aspect rather than a specific event or attack.

game-changing moments

Captures the idea of events that significantly alter the course of a game or situation.

key plays

Refers to specific actions that are crucial to achieving victory.

pivotal moments

Highlights events that serve as turning points.

knockout punches

A more figurative term highlighting the ability to decisively end something.

FAQs

How is "critical hits" used in gaming?

In gaming, "critical hits" refer to attacks that deal significantly more damage than normal. These are often random or triggered by specific conditions, and can greatly influence gameplay.

What does "critical hits" mean in the context of film or theatre?

In film or theatre, "critical hits" denotes productions that have received exceptionally positive reviews from critics, leading to recognition and success.

What are some alternatives to "critical hits" in business?

Depending on the context, you might use phrases like "major successes", "significant achievements", or "key milestones" instead of "critical hits".

Is it correct to use "critical hits" when talking about setbacks or failures?

No, "critical hits" typically refers to successes or impactful positive events. For setbacks, consider using phrases like "major blows" or "significant challenges" instead.