hitting the pavement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hitting the pavement" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of going out to search for a job or to start a journey, often implying a sense of determination or effort. Example: "After months of searching online, I decided it was time to start hitting the pavement and applying in person at local businesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Some days he rests before hitting the pavement in search of work.

The New York Times

Personal trainers suggest hitting the pavement for a slow jog in the natural light.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That's why Mr. Salinger has been working the phone and occasionally hitting the pavement.

The New York Times

Rather than hitting the pavement, my feet landed softly because the springs absorbed most of the impact.

The New York Times

Voigt crashed at the Tour last year, hitting the pavement face first and sustaining serious head and facial injuries.

The New York Times - Sports

And for that amount of couture cachet, the shoes are hitting the pavement even when the honeymoon is over.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Their print run of 2,500 copies is gone within days of hitting the pavements.

The New York Times - Magazine

I hit the pavement like Pete Rose sliding into first base.

The New York Times

While Mr. Duda began work, Ms. Slattery hit the pavement.

The New York Times

Other times, riders have hit the pavement on the cobblestones, breaking collarbones, arms and even legs.

The New York Times - Sports

When he hit the pavement, he crowed, "O.K.! We're out.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical impact or literal contact with the ground, use more direct language such as "striking the pavement" or "impacting the ground".

Common error

Avoid using "hitting the pavement" in contexts that require a literal description of something physically striking the ground, such as objects falling or accidents. Reserve it for scenarios involving active human effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hitting the pavement" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, often acting as a gerund within a sentence. It describes an action being performed, typically related to job searching, campaigning, or other active pursuits. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hitting the pavement" is a common and grammatically sound idiom used to describe active and determined efforts, particularly in job searching or campaigning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a versatile phrase suitable for various contexts. While "hitting the pavement" is mainly found in the news and media, it's important to use it in appropriate contexts, avoiding literal descriptions of physical impacts. Consider alternatives like "pounding the streets" or "taking to the streets" for nuanced meanings. Remember to avoid literal use when something strikes the pavement. The frequency and diverse applications solidify its place in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pounding the streets

Implies a vigorous and determined search, often for a job or opportunity.

hitting the bricks

Similar to "hitting the pavement" but with a slightly more old-fashioned or working-class connotation.

taking to the streets

Suggests a more general action of going out into public, potentially for protest or demonstration.

going out to hustle

Emphasizes the effort and resourcefulness involved in seeking opportunities, especially in business.

canvassing the neighborhood

Implies a systematic and thorough effort to reach people in a specific area.

hitting the road

Focuses on starting a journey or traveling, rather than searching or working.

going door-to-door

Highlights a direct, personal approach to seeking something, such as sales or votes.

taking to the streets to campaign

Highlights the act of actively campaigning or promoting something by being physically present in public.

searching for opportunities

Broader than job hunting, encompassing any type of opportunity.

looking for work

Directly states the action of seeking employment.

FAQs

How can I use "hitting the pavement" in a sentence?

You can use "hitting the pavement" to describe actively searching for a job or campaigning. For example, "After months of online applications, he decided to start "hitting the pavement" and visiting local businesses."

What does "hitting the pavement" mean?

"Hitting the pavement" idiomatically means going out and actively searching for something, typically a job or votes, by physically going to different places.

What can I say instead of "hitting the pavement"?

You can use alternatives like "pounding the streets", "taking to the streets", or "hitting the bricks" depending on the context.

When is it not appropriate to use "hitting the pavement"?

Avoid using "hitting the pavement" when describing literal impacts or physical contact with the ground. It's best suited for describing active searching or campaigning efforts by people, not objects "striking the pavement".