enormous blow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "enormous blow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant setback or disappointment in various contexts, such as personal, professional, or emotional situations. Example: "Losing the championship game was an enormous blow to the team's morale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Each is an enormous blow.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is an enormous blow and we are understandably devastated.

The Guardian

"My mother died, which was an enormous blow for me.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

For Pfizer, the end of the torcetrapib program is an enormous blow.

The New York Times - Health

A veto override would be an enormous blow to the president's prestige.

The New York Times

It was an enormous blow, but we were referred to hospice, where she received medication for pain management.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

The previous day, a heated tent had been erected on the grounds — an irrigation line or two had been punctured by the stakes as they were driven in, but no matter — and a midnight trip to Kinko's had secured an enormous blown-up photograph of the Mount as seen on a brilliant day, to serve as a backdrop for the proceedings.

The New Yorker

To alert passers-by, an enormous blown-up photograph of the painting was placed in the museum's 53rd Street window, to the chagrin of the Museum of Modern Art, which gave the painting back to Malevich's 31 descendants last year in an amicable settlement.

The New York Times

Via the Los Angeles Business Journal, many of LA's wealthiest residents who suffered enormous blows to their bank accounts due to recent economic tumult are bouncing back better than ever, even increasing their net worth in the past year.

Huffington Post

On Sept. 11, said Edward Skyler, a deputy mayor who, as campaign press secretary, had been with Mr. Bloomberg that day, the city "had been dealt an enormous emotional blow, but he didn't want it to be a transformative blow for the worse".

The New York Times

But it would be an enormous political blow to the prime minister, who is on increasingly shaky ground.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "enormous blow" when you want to emphasize the significant negative impact of an event or situation. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being negatively affected.

Common error

While "enormous blow" is a valid phrase, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation. Simpler alternatives might be more appropriate in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enormous blow" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. As indicated by Ludwig, it describes something that has a significant negative impact. It's employed to highlight the severity of a setback, loss, or disappointment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

4%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "enormous blow" is a commonly used phrase that signifies a significant setback or disappointment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. While primarily found in news and media, it maintains a neutral to professional register. When considering alternatives, phrases like "major setback" or "significant setback" offer similar meanings. It's crucial to consider the context to determine whether a more or less formal alternative is appropriate, ensuring clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major setback

Replaces "enormous blow" with a more general term for a negative event.

significant setback

Similar to "major setback" but emphasizes the importance of the negative event.

devastating blow

Emphasizes the emotional impact of the event, suggesting it caused significant distress.

crushing defeat

Focuses on the idea of being defeated or overcome by an event.

severe setback

Indicates a serious hindrance to progress or success.

heavy setback

Similar to "severe setback" but perhaps implying more of a burden.

serious impediment

Focuses on the event being an obstacle that hinders progress.

tremendous setback

An alternative to “enormous blow”, where tremendous reinforces the impact magnitude.

major disappointment

Focuses on the feeling of disappointment caused by the event.

profound disappointment

Highlights a deep and intense sentiment of letdown.

FAQs

How can I use "enormous blow" in a sentence?

You can use "enormous blow" to describe a significant setback or disappointment. For example, "The company's stock plummeting was an enormous blow to investor confidence."

What are some alternatives to "enormous blow"?

You can use alternatives like "major setback", "significant setback", or "devastating blow" depending on the context.

Is "enormous blow" formal or informal?

"Enormous blow" is suitable for neutral to formal contexts, such as news reports, business communications, and academic writing. It might sound overly dramatic in very casual settings.

What's the difference between "enormous blow" and "minor setback"?

"Enormous blow" indicates a large and significant negative impact, while "minor setback" suggests a small and easily overcome obstacle. The choice depends on the scale of the negative event.