hitting waves

USAGE SUMMARY

"hitting waves" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe the action of a boat when it is traveling through the water. For example, "The boat sped through the ocean, hitting waves as it went."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

That night, we could hear, over the crashing sea, a hollow popping sound: the hulls of drug boats hitting waves at high speed.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Indeed, audience members were required to provide the accompaniment for a song by either hitting, waving or blowing through the copies of the paper.

The Guardian

Surfer hits waves as the snow falls Jump to media player Simon Shields saw the snow storms in Cornwall as a chance to hit the waves.

BBC

We felt the boat going up and down on the water like when it hits waves from other boats.

Huffington Post

When heavy storms hit, waves ate mounds of sand, washed away chunks of asphalt and exposed rebar, car parts and junk that had been underground for decades.

Los Angeles Times

As night fell, aftershocks were still hitting, prompting waves of screaming.

The New York Times

Quiksilver throws its Big Wave Invitational at nearby Punta de Lobos, so come prepared if you plan on hitting the waves.

The Guardian - Travel

Hey, broham, hitting the waves today?

TechCrunch

Taylor hitting some waves.

Vice

As I was drying off, though, a different wave hit — a wave of melancholy.

The New York Times - Travel

Then they hit the waves.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing surfing or water sports, use "hitting waves" to convey the dynamic action of a board or vessel impacting the water's surface.

Common error

While "hitting waves" can metaphorically describe overcoming challenges, avoid using it excessively in contexts unrelated to water or surfing to prevent dilution of its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hitting waves" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun within a sentence. It describes an action, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples, such as surfing or a boat moving through water.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hitting waves" is a grammatically correct gerund phrase used to describe an action of impact with water, often in the context of surfing or boating. As Ludwig AI underlines, its primary function is descriptive, serving to paint a picture of an activity. While its register leans towards neutral to informal, its usage is relatively rare. The contexts in which it appears are varied, spanning news, general knowledge, and scientific reports. When writing, it's best used to add vivid detail to descriptions, but overuse in non-water-related contexts should be avoided to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

riding waves

Focuses specifically on the act of riding a wave, often in surfing.

surfing waves

Like "riding waves", this alternative specifies surfing as the activity.

encountering waves

Shifts the focus to the experience of facing waves, whether literal or metaphorical.

braving the waves

Emphasizes courage and resilience when facing difficult or challenging waves.

facing the waves

Highlights the act of confronting challenges or strong emotions.

navigating waves

Implies skillful maneuvering through difficulties or emotional turbulence.

battling waves

Suggests a struggle against powerful or overwhelming forces.

plowing through waves

Conveys a sense of forceful movement, overcoming resistance.

smashing through waves

Suggests a forceful impact and the breaking down of obstacles.

breaking through waves

Focuses on overcoming obstacles and achieving a breakthrough.

FAQs

How can I use "hitting waves" in a sentence?

You can use "hitting waves" to describe the motion of a boat or a surfer interacting with the water. For example, "The surfer enjoyed "riding waves" and performing tricks."

What's a more specific alternative to "hitting waves"?

Alternatives include "surfing waves" if you're referring to the sport of surfing, or "encountering waves" if describing a general experience on the water.

Is "hitting waves" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "hitting waves" is generally more suitable for informal or descriptive writing. In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "navigating turbulent waters" or "overcoming obstacles" depending on the intended meaning.

How does "hitting waves" differ from "facing the waves"?

"Hitting waves" focuses on the physical action and impact, whereas "facing the waves" suggests confrontation or dealing with challenges, whether literal or metaphorical.