hits

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "hits" is correct in written English.
It is often used to refer to successful songs, videos, or events that gain popularity or attention. Example: "The new album has already produced three hits that are topping the charts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Music

TV & Radio

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When asked to respond to Simon Cowell's recent comment that Clarkson "started to fight against what made her successful … one minute she wants to make pop records, and then she doesn't," she laughs loudly again, but there's a distinct flash of anger as she says: "Everyone's aware that My Life Would Suck Without You and Already Gone were huge pop hits, right?

The Guardian - Music

He also acknowledges that the SDLP has suffered from being stereotyped as the Stormont psychiatrist, trying to encourage unionists and republicans alike to analyse their problems as each new nervous breakdown hits the peace process, but sometimes missing out on a share of the glory when the crisis passes.

The Guardian

So will the food at his Tavern be Tower's greatest hits?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Not for you, of course; because, as a former IT manager, I know your backup regime is this: 1) Never back up; 2) When catastrophe hits, come to me, crying.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Actually," he confides, "we've got a sink that makes a rather good sound when the teabag hits it".

The Guardian

Thirteen seasons later, he's up there with the Detroit legend, just 189 hits behind Cobb and 256 behind the all-time hit king, Pete Rose – albeit with the asterisk.

The Guardian - Sport

And as the reality of his return hits home and the question of whether to trust him looms large, the gang's cosy domesticity begins to unravel.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Unusually laced with wheat malt, which gives it a thicker mouthfeel and a notably earthy, grainy aspect, this hits you with a triple whammy of big, sweet, juicy caramelised malts; then unsweetened grapefruit, pepper and lemon notes; and finally a lingering bitterness that rolls on and on.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

However, since it's owned by Fox, ABC and NBC, you can watch most of those networks' shows the day after they air, including monster hits like Empire, The Blacklist and Scandal.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Mr Soutar began his career at 17 as a journalist in Dundee and became editor of Smash Hits in 1991.

The Guardian

Murdoch established Shine in 2001 and oversaw its expansion with hits such as MasterChef, and by buying other production companies including Princess Productions and Kudos, maker of Spooks and Broadchurch.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hits" when discussing popular trends or cultural phenomena to indicate widespread recognition and success.

Common error

While "hits" is suitable for describing popular music or entertainment, avoid overusing it in formal business or academic writing. Opt for more formal synonyms like "successes", "achievements", or "accomplishments" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "hits" is as a plural noun. It typically refers to successful and popular songs, movies, or other forms of entertainment, as shown in Ludwig's examples. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

27%

Music

12%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Lifestyle

10%

TV & Radio

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "hits" is a plural noun frequently used to denote popular and successful songs, movies, or events, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its usage spans various contexts, primarily appearing in News & Media, Music, and Sport. While generally neutral in register, it can lean towards informal depending on the specific context. When writing, using "hits" effectively communicates widespread popularity and impact, although formal contexts may benefit from synonyms like "successes" or "achievements". Ludwig's examples illustrate its versatility and correct application across different domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

popular songs

Focuses specifically on the popularity of musical pieces, narrowing the scope from general success.

successful tracks

Emphasizes the success aspect and is typically used in a musical context.

major successes

Highlights the significant achievements or accomplishments.

smash hits

Stresses the widespread and impactful nature of successes.

chart-toppers

Refers specifically to songs or albums that reach the top of music charts.

blockbuster movies

Applies to films that achieve significant commercial success.

top-rated shows

Refers to television programs that have high viewership ratings.

popular trends

Highlights items, activities, or styles that are currently in vogue.

viral sensations

Describes content that rapidly spreads and becomes extremely popular online.

critical acclaim

Emphasizes positive reviews and recognition from critics.

FAQs

How can I use "hits" in a sentence?

You can use "hits" to describe popular songs, movies, or events. For example, "The band played all their "greatest hits" at the concert."

What can I say instead of "hits" when referring to music?

Alternatives include "popular songs", "successful tracks", or "chart-toppers", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "hits" to describe successful business ventures?

While acceptable, it's generally better to use more formal terms like "successes", "achievements", or "accomplishments" in a business context. For example, "The company celebrated several major "successes" this year."

What's the difference between "hits" and "successes"?

"Hits" often implies widespread popularity and immediate impact, particularly in entertainment and media, while "successes" is a broader term encompassing any achievement or positive outcome in various fields.