hit the box

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hit the box" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a commonly used idiom that means to open a box or container by hitting or striking it. Example: "I couldn't get the lid off the jar, so I had to hit the box a few times to loosen it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

On the way home from the shop some boys playing ball hit the box containing the precious figurine.

The New Yorker

Like Mr. Fincher, Mr. Mann makes big-budget art movies that because of their complex pleasures and ambiguities, don't always hit the box office sweet spot ("Seven" and "Collateral," Mr. Mann's movie with Tom Cruise, being exceptions).

The New York Times

When it hit the box office in 2012, taking £83m worldwide (having cost just £6.2m to make), commentators heralding the rise of the "grey pound" wondered if more older people buying cinema tickets would mean fewer superheroes gracing our screens each year.

The Guardian - Film

The MHC+ first hit the box around 250 s while the HHC+ took almost 500 s.

Earth, Planets and Space

At that time, the promise was Netflix and Vudu would hit the box by the end of the year.

TechCrunch

So while you're waiting for "Snowden" to hit the box office, check it out — you won't be disappointed.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

LOS ANGELES — "The Hunger Games" hit the box-office bull's-eye over the weekend, taking in a record $155 million in North America and setting up what promises to be one of the biggest film franchises of this decade.

The New York Times

The studio's recent slate of films, including Kung Fu Panda 3, Home and Penguins of Madagascar, have performed only moderately well, failing to hit the box-office heights set by Disney's Frozen and Zootopia, and Universal's Despicable Me franchise.

The Guardian - Film

The ball keeps missing everything, like some excitable puppy, or repeatedly hitting the box while the gong hangs silent.

The Guardian - Arts

Fresh off the heels, of his new film MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN, hitting the box office the first film produced by his production company, Franklin Entertainment this interview, was a miraculous way to start a Friday.

Huffington Post

Suddenly a car in the opposite lane hits the box and I see it go airborne, end over end, with a trajectory to land directly in front of us.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical interactions, use "hit the box" to convey the action of something striking a box or container directly. Consider the context to ensure it aligns with the intended meaning, as it can also metaphorically represent achieving a goal, particularly in gaming or business contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "hit the box" when you intend to convey nuanced achievements or complex strategies. While it can suggest reaching a goal, it is less effective than specific verbs that describe the method or result more precisely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hit the box" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "hit" is the verb indicating an action and "the box" is the direct object. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts, both literally and figuratively.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

35%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hit the box" is a grammatically correct phrase with both literal and figurative applications. It signifies physical contact with a box or achieving a desired outcome, particularly in business or gaming. While versatile, Ludwig suggests considering the context to ensure the phrase's register aligns with your writing. More formal settings may warrant more precise alternatives. The phrase sees frequent use in news, wiki, and general contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strike the container

Focuses on the physical action of striking, emphasizing the act of hitting more directly.

impact the box

Highlights the force and consequence of the contact.

reach the target box

Implies an intended destination or objective related to the box.

make contact with the box

Emphasizes the establishment of a connection with the box.

collide with the box

Suggests a forceful or accidental encounter.

slam into the box

Conveys a sense of forceful impact and potential damage.

connect with the box

Focuses on the action of connecting with the box, rather than just making contact.

tap the box

Suggests a gentle and light touch.

bump into the box

Implies an accidental or unintentional collision.

ram into the box

Conveys a forceful and violent collision.

FAQs

How can "hit the box" be used in a sentence?

You can use "hit the box" to describe a physical action, as in "The ball "hit the box" and broke the figurine" or metaphorically, as in "The movie finally "hit the box office" after a slow start".

What does it mean to "hit the box office"?

To ""hit the box office"" means a movie or show is financially very successful and popular when it is released in theaters.

Are there other ways to say "hit the box" in a literal sense?

Yes, you can use phrases like "strike the container", "impact the box", or "make contact with the box", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "hit the box" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "hit the box" might be considered informal depending on the context. In formal or professional writing, consider more precise alternatives that accurately describe the action or outcome you want to express.