hit hard

USAGE SUMMARY

"hit hard" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as an idiom to mean to have a serious effect on something. For example: "The pandemic has hit hard on the tourism industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Banks were hit hard.

The New York Times

We hit hard.

The New York Times - Sports

Neither hit hard.

The New York Times - Arts

Tourism has been hit hard.

The Economist

Connecticut was hit hard, too.

The Economist

Education is being hit hard.

The New York Times - Magazine

Home builders were hit hard.

The New York Times

They've been hit hard".

The New York Times

The epiphany hit hard.

The New York Times - Science

We've been hit hard".

The Guardian - Business

Habitat for Humanity would be hit hard.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hit hard" to emphasize the significant and often negative impact of an event or situation. It is effective for conveying strong effects on industries, emotions, or physical entities.

Common error

Avoid using "hit hard" excessively in casual conversation. While generally acceptable, frequent use can diminish its impact. Opt for more nuanced language to maintain clarity and prevent sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hit hard" primarily functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of something impacting something else with significant force or consequence. Ludwig examples show usage across various domains to indicate strong effects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hit hard" is a versatile and common idiom used to describe a significant and often negative impact. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, conveying the intensity of effects across various domains. When writing, remember to use this phrase to emphasize the strength of an impact and avoid overusing it in casual settings. Alternative phrases like "impact severely" or "affect deeply" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Overall, "hit hard" remains a reliable and effective choice for emphasizing consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impact severely

Focuses on the degree of impact, emphasizing the severity of the effect.

affect deeply

Highlights the depth of the effect, suggesting a profound influence.

strike forcefully

Emphasizes the power and intensity of the action.

take a toll

Indicates a gradual but damaging effect over time.

deal a blow

Suggests a sudden and detrimental impact.

land heavily

Implies a substantial and consequential result.

weigh heavily

Conveys a sense of burden or oppression resulting from the impact.

leave a mark

Highlights the lasting consequences of the impact.

have repercussions

Draws attention to the subsequent effects and consequences.

sting sharply

Emphasizes the sudden and painful nature of the impact.

FAQs

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

You can use "hit hard" to describe something that has a significant negative impact. For example, "The economic crisis "hit hard" small businesses".

What are some alternatives to "hit hard"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "affected severely", "impacted greatly", or "took a toll" as alternatives to "hit hard".

Is "hit hard" formal or informal?

"Hit hard" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in news and general media. Consider your audience and the desired tone when using it.

What's the difference between "hit hard" and "affected significantly"?

"Hit hard" implies a more forceful or sudden impact, often with negative connotations. "Affected significantly" is more neutral and can describe positive or negative impacts, focusing on the degree of change.