hit a reef

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hit a reef" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to come into contact with a reef, usually while sailing or diving, and is typically used in the past tense. Example: The captain was not paying attention and the ship hit a reef, causing damage to the hull and leaving the crew stranded on the remote island.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The Medusa, one of four vessels that set sail for Senegal in 1816 in June, hit a reef about a month later.

The New Yorker

By Julian Barnes The New Yorker, June 12 , 1989P. 40 The Medusa, one of four vessels that set sail for Senegal in 1816 in June, hit a reef about a month later.

The New Yorker

On one trip, Weijola's boat was first hit by a storm and then hit a reef.

The New Yorker

"From the time the first British vessel hit a reef in Palau in 1783, it has welcomed refugees".

The New York Times

Before his detention, Captain Schettino told Italian television that the ship had hit a reef that was not on its navigation charts.

The New York Times

Before he was detained by the authorities, Captain Schettino told Italian television that the ship hit a reef that was not on its navigation charts.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Sooner or later, the other sailors told us, everybody hits a reef in Lake of the Woods.

The New York Times - Travel

Captain Schettino said only that he had "problems" on board but did not mention hitting a reef.

The New York Times

The whaler went down exactly 188 years ago after hitting a reef at the French Frigate Shoals, a treacherous atoll about 600 miles northwest of here.

The New York Times - Science

Their life of coasting hits a reef when the father proposes to a flame-haired designer (Deborah Kerr) who comes to stay in the sun, importing the values of the grownup world.

The New Yorker

We don't know how it will affect the coast". Jim Greene, a local surfer, said: "Surfing's a lot about nature, responding to what is there naturally, so an artificial reef doesn't appeal to everyone". Good surfing conditions are created when a swell hits a reef and breaks.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a maritime incident, use "hit a reef" to clearly and concisely convey the event of a vessel striking a submerged coral or rock formation. This phrase is widely understood and evokes a clear image of the accident.

Common error

Avoid confusing "hitting a reef" with other nautical terms like "running aground". While related, "hitting a reef" specifically implies impact with a reef, while "running aground" is a broader term for any grounding incident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hit a reef" primarily functions as a verb phrase within a sentence, typically describing an action taken by a vessel. As Ludwig AI confirm, this idiom is used to describe the impact of a ship or boat with a submerged coral reef or rocky outcrop.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

19%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hit a reef" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a vessel striking a submerged reef. Ludwig's analysis of various sources indicates the phrase is most commonly found in news and media, with occasional use in scientific and travel writing. The phrase conveys a clear image of a maritime incident, making it a concise and effective way to describe such events. Although the phrase is well-established in nautical contexts, is not especially frequent. Ludwig AI validates this.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

run aground

Emphasizes the grounding aspect, without necessarily specifying a reef.

strike a submerged object

More general; the object could be anything underwater.

collide with a coral formation

Specifically mentions coral but changes the verb.

smash into an underwater obstacle

Highlights the forceful impact and the underwater nature of the hazard.

founder on a reef

Implies a more disastrous outcome (foundering) upon hitting the reef.

scrape against a coral reef

Suggests a less severe impact, a glancing blow.

become Grounded on a reef

Focuses on the state of being grounded, rather than the action of hitting.

damage reef by collision

Shifts the focus to damage caused to the reef, not to the vessel.

encounter a reef

Neutral way of saying that one came across or met with a reef.

navigate onto a reef

Suggests a navigational error leading to the encounter.

FAQs

How can I use "hit a reef" in a sentence?

You can use "hit a reef" to describe a maritime accident, for example: "The ship "hit a reef" due to poor visibility."

What's the difference between "hit a reef" and "ran aground"?

"Hit a reef" specifically means a vessel struck a reef. "Ran aground" is more general, meaning a vessel grounded on any surface, not necessarily a reef.

Is it always the captain's fault when a ship "hits a reef"?

Not always. While negligence can be a factor, other causes include poor weather, faulty navigation equipment, or uncharted reefs.

What are the consequences of a ship "hitting a reef"?

Consequences range from minor hull damage to sinking, environmental damage, and loss of life, depending on the severity and location.