hit the headlines

USAGE SUMMARY

"hit the headlines" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to something that is causing a lot of attention or news coverage. For example, "The politician's controversial statement hit the headlines last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But then the affair hit the headlines.

The Economist

ReprintsAn example hit the headlines this week: Scotland.

The Economist

Donald Trump has hit the headlines yet again.

Independent

It hit the headlines last year.

The Guardian

Nuclear power has hit the headlines again.

The Guardian - Opinion

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks have hit the headlines again.

Network Security

These first hit the headlines with Jack Welch's divorce settlement.

The Economist

ICELAND does not hit the headlines very often.

The Economist

Once more this non-issue has hit the headlines.

The Guardian - Opinion

Is school food about to hit the headlines again?

The Guardian

The new classification hit the headlines, of course.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hit the headlines" when you want to emphasize that a story has gained significant media attention and is widely known. This is especially effective when the event is unexpected or impactful.

Common error

Avoid using passive constructions that weaken the impact of the phrase. For example, instead of saying "The story was hit the headlines by...", use the active form: "The story "hit the headlines" after..." to maintain a stronger, more direct message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hit the headlines" functions as a verb phrase indicating that a particular event or topic has gained widespread attention in the news media. It highlights the action of becoming prominent in news coverage, as evidenced by the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hit the headlines" is a common idiom used to describe something that has gained significant media attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. It effectively communicates that a particular event or topic has become prominent and newsworthy. While alternatives like "make the news" or "grab headlines" exist, "hit the headlines" provides a straightforward and universally understood way to convey the idea of widespread news coverage. Best practice involves using the active voice to emphasize the impact of the news event. Understanding its function, purpose, and register helps writers use the phrase effectively and avoid common errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make the news

Focuses on the action of creating news, implying a direct cause-and-effect relationship rather than a passive reception of attention.

grab headlines

Emphasizes the competitive aspect of attracting media attention, suggesting a deliberate effort to be noticed.

be widely reported

Highlights the extent of news coverage, focusing on the distribution of information rather than the initial event.

gain prominence in the media

Suggests a gradual increase in visibility over time, rather than a sudden burst of attention.

dominate the news cycle

Indicates a prolonged period of intense media attention, overshadowing other events.

become a talking point

Shifts the focus from media coverage to public discussion, implying that the topic is being widely debated.

attract considerable attention

A more general phrase indicating noticeability without necessarily implying widespread news coverage.

go viral

Specifically refers to rapid spread through online channels, suggesting a particular type of attention.

cause a sensation

Emphasizes the emotional impact of the news, suggesting that it has generated excitement or shock.

be on everyone's lips

Suggests that the topic is being widely discussed in informal settings, implying a personal connection.

FAQs

How can I use "hit the headlines" in a sentence?

Use "hit the headlines" to indicate that a story or event has received significant media attention. For example, "The new discovery "hit the headlines" after the press conference."

What does it mean when something "hits the headlines"?

It means that the story has become prominent news and is being widely reported in various media outlets. It signifies that the event or topic has garnered considerable public attention.

What are some alternatives to "hit the headlines"?

You can use alternatives like "make the news", "grab headlines", or "be widely reported" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "hit the headlines" formal or informal?

"Hit the headlines" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is most commonly found in news and media reporting.