hit it off

USAGE SUMMARY

"hit it off" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It is used to describe when two people have a very good first impression of each other and establish an immediate connection. Example: When they first met, Andrea and Mark hit it off right away.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We hit it off immediately.

The New York Times - Magazine

They hit it off instantly.

The New York Times

They hit it off right away.

The New Yorker

"We really hit it off," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

"We hit it off right away.

The New York Times

They hit it off, but deal collapses.

Independent

Naturally, we hit it off instantly.

The New York Times

The two women hit it off immediately.

The New Yorker

"They hit it off," Ginsberg said.

The New Yorker

We hit it off very well.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Hitting it off with people is rare.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hit it off" to convey an immediate and positive connection between people, especially during initial encounters. It suggests a natural and effortless rapport.

Common error

Avoid using "hit it off" for relationships that develop slowly over time. This phrase implies an immediate, strong connection, not a gradual friendship.

Linguistic Context

"Hit it off" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It describes the establishment of an immediate and amicable relationship between two or more people. Ludwig AI examples show its common usage in describing initial meetings and quick connections.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Academia

5%

Huffington Post

3%

Less common in

Science Magazine

1%

Forbes

1%

HuffPost

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hit it off" is a common and accepted idiomatic expression used to describe an immediate and positive connection between people. According to Ludwig AI, it is perfectly acceptable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase conveys a sense of instant rapport and mutual liking. While suitable for general use, more formal alternatives might be preferred in highly professional or academic settings. When using the phrase it's important to convey an immediate connection rather than a gradual development.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

click with someone

This phrase suggests an immediate connection and compatibility with someone, similar to "hit it off".

get along well

This is a more general way to express that two people have a good relationship, but it lacks the immediacy of "hit it off".

bond instantly

This phrase highlights the rapid development of a connection between two people.

form a connection

A more formal way of saying that two people established understanding and rapport.

find common ground

Emphasizes the shared interests and understanding that lead to a positive relationship.

establish rapport

Highlights the immediate mutual understanding and connection.

become fast friends

Suggests a rapid development of friendship, which implies a positive initial connection.

take a liking to

Indicates a positive sentiment and affinity towards someone from the initial meeting.

be on the same wavelength

Implies a shared understanding and agreement, contributing to a positive connection.

vibe with someone

A more informal way to express a sense of connection and understanding with another person.

FAQs

How can I use "hit it off" in a sentence?

You can say, "We "hit it off" immediately at the conference" or "They "hit it off" right away and became good friends".

What are some alternatives to "hit it off"?

Alternatives include "click with someone", "get along well", or "bond instantly".

Is it appropriate to use "hit it off" in formal writing?

While widely accepted, "hit it off" is best suited for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "establish rapport" or "form a connection".

What does it mean when people say they didn't "hit it off"?

It means they didn't connect well or have a positive first impression. It suggests a lack of chemistry or common ground.