hits home

USAGE SUMMARY

"hits home" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to signify that something relates to you personally in such a way that it has a strong impact on you emotionally. For example, you might say, "Hearing about the layoffs at my old office really hits home, making me more grateful for my current job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It hits home".

The Guardian

"For curia officials, it literally hits home.

The New York Times

That hits home for me".

The Guardian - Tech

It's a point that hits home.

The Guardian - Business

He hits home runs across the board.

The New York Times

When it hits home, it's different.

The New York Times

O.K.? See, that's when it hits home.

The New York Times

That sentence hits home to us boomers.

The New York Times

Everything I write just hits home".

The New York Times

The debate hits home for Mr. Bezos.

The New York Times

And this is where reality hits home.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hits home", consider the context and ensure the subject matter is something that can genuinely resonate with the audience or individual you are addressing.

Common error

Avoid using "hits home" in contexts where the subject matter is trivial or unlikely to evoke a strong emotional response. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing seem insincere.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "hits home" primarily functions as a verb phrase within a sentence. It signifies that something deeply resonates with someone, often evoking a strong emotional or personal connection, as evidenced by the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hits home" is a commonly used idiom that describes something that deeply resonates with someone on a personal or emotional level. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in various contexts, particularly in news, media, and informal communications. While its use is widespread, it's important to consider the specific context to ensure that its emotional impact is genuine and not diluted by overuse. Alternatives like "resonates deeply" or "strikes a chord" may be considered for more formal or nuanced applications. Understanding the nuances of "hits home" allows writers and speakers to effectively communicate genuine emotional connections and personal impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resonates deeply

This alternative emphasizes the profound emotional connection or impact.

strikes a chord

This alternative suggests an emotional connection or agreement.

rings true

This alternative focuses on the authenticity and credibility of the statement.

makes an impact

This alternative emphasizes the significant effect or influence.

carries weight

This alternative highlights the importance and influence of something.

is meaningful

This alternative emphasizes the significance and importance of something.

affects personally

This alternative underlines the personal impact or influence.

leaves a mark

This alternative emphasizes the lasting impact or impression.

registers strongly

This alternative indicates a powerful and noticeable impression.

sinks in

This alternative focuses on comprehension and understanding after a period of time.

FAQs

How can I use "hits home" in a sentence?

You can use "hits home" to describe something that deeply resonates with someone, such as, "The story of the refugees really "hits home", as I once experienced displacement myself".

What are some alternatives to "hits home"?

Alternatives to "hits home" include phrases like "resonates deeply", "strikes a chord", or "rings true", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "hits home" in formal writing?

While "hits home" is widely understood, it's generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "makes an impact" or "is meaningful" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "hits home" and "sinks in"?

"Hits home" implies a strong emotional or personal connection, while "sinks in" refers to the gradual understanding or realization of something. For example, "The reality of the situation "hits home" when you see the suffering firsthand," versus "It took a while for the implications of the new policy to "sink in"".