harsh blow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "harsh blow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a severe or difficult setback, disappointment, or criticism that someone experiences. Example: "The news of the company's bankruptcy was a harsh blow to the employees who had dedicated years of service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pepe's eviction was a harsh blow that changed everything.

The New York Times

Mr. Ashby died in late 2007, a harsh blow to the orchestra.

The New York Times - Arts

Then last June, the global markets delivered a similarly harsh blow to Southeast Asia.

The New York Times - Magazine

But the loss of Istanbul, if confirmed, would be an especially harsh blow to the president.

The Washington Post

But to many Tibetans, any harm to the site would be a harsh blow.

The New York Times

Nature had struck a harsh blow but human resourcefulness would prevail.

The Guardian

But it was dealt a harsh blow because of the Palestinian insistence.

The New York Times

It was a harsh blow to Enfield's prestige, and British pride.

The Guardian

What a pity that reality strikes a harsh blow sooner or later.

The New York Times

In a worrying time, the terrorist attacks in Mumbai on November 26th-29th came as a particularly harsh blow.

The Economist

And they deal a harsh blow to the hopes of recovery for an economy that is reliant on tourism.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "harsh blow" to describe unexpected or severe setbacks that have a significant negative impact. It's effective in conveying the intensity of the disappointment or difficulty.

Common error

While "harsh blow" is widely understood, it may sound overdramatic in casual conversation. Opt for simpler, more direct language when discussing everyday disappointments to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "harsh blow" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a significantly negative event or setback, as confirmed by Ludwig examples and the Ludwig AI response.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "harsh blow" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a severe setback or disappointment. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it effectively conveys the significant negative impact of an event. While suitable for formal writing, it's important to consider the context to avoid overdramatization in casual settings. Alternative phrases like "severe setback" or "crushing defeat" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

devastating blow

Emphasizes the extremely destructive impact of the event.

severe setback

Emphasizes the hindrance or delay caused by the event.

significant setback

Highlights the importance of the obstacle encountered.

major disappointment

Focuses on the feeling of disillusionment resulting from the event.

painful setback

Emphasizes the emotional distress caused.

crushing defeat

Implies a complete and demoralizing failure.

bitter disappointment

Highlights the acrimonious nature of the failure.

grave misfortune

Highlights the gravity and unfortunate nature of the event.

heavy burden

Shifts the focus to the long-term difficulty resulting from the event.

serious adversity

Implies a challenging and difficult situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "harsh blow" to describe a sudden and negative event. For example: "The company's sudden closure was a "harsh blow" to the local economy."

What phrases are similar to "harsh blow"?

Alternatives include "severe setback", "crushing defeat", or "major disappointment", each emphasizing different aspects of the negative impact.

Is "harsh blow" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "harsh blow" is suitable for formal writing, especially in news reports and analytical pieces. However, consider using more nuanced language if a more subtle tone is required.

What's the difference between "harsh blow" and "tough blow"?

"Harsh blow" implies a greater level of severity and unexpectedness compared to "tough blow". While both suggest a negative impact, "harsh blow" carries a stronger emotional charge.