hit the store

USAGE SUMMARY

"hit the store" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when someone means to go to the store quickly—as in, to hurry there. For example, "I'm running low on milk. I better hit the store before it closes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

The product, IBM ViaVoice, hit the store shelves that August priced to move at just $99.

MIT Technology Review

Or were you going to order it online at midnight and just hope none of your friends hit the store.

Harvard Business Review

Bakugan Battle Brawlers are "one of the genuine hits of the spring toy season, for sure," said Kathleen Waugh, a spokeswoman for Toys R UsUs. "They sell out the minute they hit the store shelves".

The New York Times

"They fly out as soon as they hit the store," said Tatsugo Yoda of Aloha Rag, a Honolulu shop that will open a New York outpost at 505 Greenwich Street this week.

The New York Times

Ms. Marshall, the secretary of state of North Carolina, had arrived on a large tour bus that hit the store at midnight, disgorging dozens of conventioneers in business suits and with name tags around their necks.

The New York Times - Travel

Rather hit the store but not go near the checkout?

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Hardly: they are successes before they hit the stores.

The New York Times - Health

The products hit the stores -- and stayed there.

The New York Times

The PlayBook hit the stores at $500 but can now be bought for $200.

The Economist

If the bloggers are right, it will hit the stores in March.

The New York Times - Arts

"The book blew out from the minute it hit the stores," Mr. Schaefer said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hit the store" when you want to emphasize a quick or purposeful trip to a store, especially when there's a sense of urgency or a specific goal in mind.

Common error

Avoid using "hit the store" in formal writing or professional communications. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "visit the store" or "go to the store" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hit the store" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of quickly going to a store. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English. It can also function as an imperative, urging someone to go to the store.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hit the store" is a common and correct phrase used to indicate a quick or purposeful trip to a retail location. Ludwig AI highlights that the phrase is commonly used to indicate going to the store quickly. While grammatically sound and frequently used in news and media, it's best suited for informal contexts and should be avoided in formal writing. Alternatives such as "go to the store" or "visit the store" can be used for a more professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go to the store

This is a more general and straightforward way to express the act of visiting a store.

run to the store

This implies a quick and urgent trip to the store.

pop into the store

This suggests a brief and casual visit to the store.

head to the store

Indicates a direction or intention to go to the store.

swing by the store

Suggests a stop at the store while on the way somewhere else.

drop in at the store

Similar to 'pop into', indicating a short, unplanned visit.

make a trip to the store

Emphasizes the act of planning and executing a visit to the store.

visit the store

A formal way of saying you are going to the store.

go shopping

Implies a broader activity of browsing and buying at various stores.

shop at the store

Focuses on the act of purchasing items at the store.

FAQs

What does "hit the store" mean?

The phrase "hit the store" means to quickly go to a store, usually with a specific purpose in mind. It often implies a sense of urgency or a short visit.

When is it appropriate to use "hit the store"?

It's appropriate to use "hit the store" in informal contexts, like conversations with friends or casual writing. Avoid it in formal or professional settings.

What can I say instead of "hit the store"?

You can use alternatives like "go to the store", "visit the store", or "run to the store" depending on the context.

Is "hitting the store" the same as "hit the store"?

"Hitting the store" is the gerund form of the phrase, often used as a continuous action, while "hit the store" is the base form, typically used as an imperative or infinitive. Example: "I'm thinking about "hitting the store" later" versus "I need to "hit the store" before they close".