heavy hitter

USAGE SUMMARY

"heavy hitter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a metaphor to refer to someone who is influential or powerful. For example, you might say "The CEO of the company is a real heavy hitter in the tech industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

It means a big heavy hitter.

The New Yorker

Consumer spending is the other heavy hitter.

The New York Times

Plus, there are some real "heavy hitter" guys here.

The New York Times

And another heavy hitter may be on the way.

The New York Times

He is a heavy hitter in every sense of the term.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr Portman is not just a heavy hitter on Capitol Hill, he is a budget expert.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Three heavy hitters rule.

The New York Times

The final two were heavy hitters.

The New Yorker

Tuesdays were for the heavy hitters: Charles Addams, Barney Tobey, George Price, William Steig, Peter Arno.

The New York Times - Arts

Here are the current heavy hitters.

The New York Times

The group has lined up some heavy hitters.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "heavy hitter", ensure the context makes it clear what kind of influence or impact the person or entity possesses.

Common error

Avoid using "heavy hitter" in extremely casual conversation where more straightforward language would be more appropriate. While versatile, it can sound out of place in very informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heavy hitter" functions primarily as a noun, often acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a person or entity possessing significant influence or power. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it's used to describe individuals in politics, sports, and business.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Formal & Business

13%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "heavy hitter" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes an influential or powerful figure, particularly in fields like business, politics, and sports. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase serves to highlight the significance and impact of the described individual or entity. While its register is generally neutral, it is crucial to use it judiciously in overly informal settings. Alternatives such as "influential figure" or "major force" can be used to add variety or adjust the level of formality. Ludwig's analysis indicates that understanding the context and connotations ensures effective and appropriate usage of "heavy hitter".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

powerful player

Highlights the individual's power and agency in a situation.

major force

Emphasizes the strength and impact of the person or entity.

influential figure

Focuses on the person's influence rather than their direct impact.

key player

Stresses the importance of the person in a specific context.

big gun

An informal term emphasizing power and influence.

top performer

Highlights the individual's high level of achievement.

leading light

Suggests the person is a guide or inspiration to others.

chief decision-maker

Focuses specifically on the person's role in making important decisions.

significant contributor

Emphasizes the value and importance of the person's contributions.

formidable opponent

Highlights the person's strength from a competitive standpoint.

FAQs

How can I use "heavy hitter" in a sentence?

You can use "heavy hitter" to describe someone influential or powerful in a particular field. For example, "She's a "heavy hitter" in the tech industry."

What are some alternatives to "heavy hitter"?

Alternatives include "influential figure", "powerful player", or "major force", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "heavy hitter" in formal writing?

Yes, but use it judiciously. While "heavy hitter" is acceptable, more formal alternatives like "significant contributor" may be preferable in certain contexts.

What does it mean when someone is referred to as a "heavy hitter"?

Referring to someone as a "heavy hitter" means they are highly influential, skilled, or powerful in their field. They are considered a "key player" or a "top performer".