hit piece

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hit piece" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to an article or publication that aims to discredit or attack a person or organization. Example: The newspaper published a hit piece on the politician, claiming he had engaged in illegal activities. OR The celebrity's publicist accused the tabloid of writing a hit piece in order to generate scandalous headlines.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Hit piece"!

The Washington Post

"People say it's a hit piece.

The Washington Post

Surely this "hit piece" stretched the facts?

The Washington Post

Sounds like another big Pharma sponsored hit piece!

Harvard University

Surely this "hit piece" was 99percentt innuendo?

The Washington Post

Surely this "hit piece" drew causal connections between unrelated events?

The Washington Post

"This kind of hit piece is exactly why I started #effyourbeautystandards.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

whilst also calling the song a "super-hit piece".

Wikipedia

The millennial hit-piece has practically become a literary genre unto itself.

The Washington Post

Week 10 Daily Mail hit-piece reveals JD was having a torrid affair with Grainne throughout.

Vice

She said that three days before the 1988 election, two "hit-piece" mailers that "smeared" her name and reputation were mailed to city residents.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hit piece", ensure that the context clearly indicates biased or unfair reporting. Provide specific examples of the bias or inaccuracies if possible to strengthen your claim.

Common error

Avoid labeling any critical article as a "hit piece" simply because you disagree with it. Reserve this term for cases where there is clear evidence of bias, misrepresentation, or malicious intent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hit piece" functions as a noun, typically used to describe a published article or report. As Ludwig AI states, this article is biased and presents false information. It serves as a label for a type of content rather than modifying another noun directly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

12%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hit piece" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe a published work designed to unfairly discredit a person or entity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this involves biased reporting and potentially false information. While grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in News & Media, caution should be exercised to ensure the label accurately reflects the content's nature, avoiding overuse without proper justification. Related phrases such as "attack piece" and "smear campaign" can be considered depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attack piece

A direct synonym, simply emphasizing the aggressive nature of the article.

hatchet job

An informal synonym for "hit piece", highlighting the ruthlessness of the attack.

slam piece

Similar to "hit piece", but with a slightly more informal and aggressive tone.

smear campaign

Focuses on the intent to damage reputation, similar to a "hit piece" but broader in scope.

character assassination

Emphasizes the intent to destroy someone's reputation, a more severe form of a "hit piece".

negative exposé

Highlights the revealing of damaging information, a common tactic in a "hit piece".

biased article

Focuses on the lack of objectivity in the writing, a key characteristic of a "hit piece".

propaganda piece

Emphasizes the intent to manipulate public opinion, a potential goal of a "hit piece".

denunciation

Highlights the act of public condemnation, which a "hit piece" often aims to achieve.

polemic

Focuses on the aggressively argumentative nature, often present in a "hit piece".

FAQs

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

You can say something like: "The journalist dismissed the article as a blatant "hit piece" designed to damage the candidate's reputation" or "The documentary was criticized for being a "hit piece" lacking in objectivity".

What's a good alternative for "hit piece"?

Depending on the specific context, consider using alternatives like "attack piece", "smear campaign", or "biased article".

Is "hit piece" a formal term?

No, "hit piece" is generally considered an informal term. While it's widely understood, it's best reserved for less formal contexts. In formal writing, opt for more neutral alternatives like "biased report" or "critical analysis".

What distinguishes a "hit piece" from a simple critique?

A "hit piece" goes beyond offering constructive criticism. It's characterized by a deliberate attempt to discredit or damage someone's reputation through biased reporting, selective use of facts, and often, sensationalism. A simple critique, on the other hand, aims to provide a balanced assessment.