hurl

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "hurl" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the action of throwing something with great force or intensity. Example: "In a fit of anger, he decided to hurl the remote control across the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Though they'd never admit it, people tuned in to shows such as Pop Idol specifically to see Simon Cowell hurl abuse at a parade of undeserving saps.

The Guardian - Music

You must hurl a ball, with a straight arm please and from a rather exact position, 22 yards, making it land in the same place every time, with sufficient guile, pace, or other sleight of hand to avoid the destructive impulses of the batsman.

The Guardian - Sport

So of the moment that it felt dated a month after release, its fickle intended audience failed to hURL themselves out of bed to bother watching it and it became a fascinating 90s relic, complete with three unwanted soundtracks.

The Guardian - Film

Every now and then, a passing driver beeped in support – or else a passenger leaned out of a window to hurl abuse.

The Guardian

To be tossed out into a hostile world where computers hurl countries up like fivestones for incremental points in a market system nobody understands?

The Guardian

The solution No one should hurl away their inhaler before seeing their GP.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Kennedy-Macfoy was driving through Harrow around 3.30am in September 2011 when he saw a young man hurl the rock at the police van.

The Guardian

Thus, in 2012 the Republicans propose the female anti-sex bill, in which women are expressly forbidden from having sex with anyone other than the occasional lecherous politician who happens to hurl himself, bodily, sweatily, in her lucky, lucky path.

The Guardian - Opinion

People hurl themselves under tables.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Buy from Amazon.co.ukFAST bowlers are cricket's showmen, eliciting gasps as they hurl down deliveries capable of snapping batsmen's ribs.

The Economist

Bowlers can hurl it down at over 90 miles (145 km) per hour, and intimidating a batsman by aiming it at his head and body is considered a perfectly legitimate tactic.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hurl" to describe throwing, consider the level of force you want to convey. "Hurl" implies a significant amount of force or intensity, more so than simply "throw".

Common error

While "hurl" is perfectly acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "throw" or "cast" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "hurl" is as a transitive verb, indicating an action performed upon an object. Ludwig AI confirms its ability to describe forceful throwing actions or the delivery of harsh words.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hurl" is a versatile verb indicating forceful throwing or uttering harsh words, primarily observed in News & Media. While grammatically sound and frequently used, the choice to use "hurl" depends on the intended level of force and formality. Ludwig AI confirms this. Consider alternatives like "throw" or "cast" for more neutral contexts. Be mindful of the connotation of force when deciding to use the verb.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

throw forcefully

Emphasizes the action of throwing with significant force.

cast violently

Highlights the intensity and abruptness of the throwing action.

fling with aggression

Adds a layer of aggression or anger to the act of throwing.

launch ferociously

Suggests a powerful and uncontrolled release.

discharge with force

Implies a release of energy or emotion through throwing.

utter vehemently

Focuses on expressing harsh words with strong emotion.

shout abusively

Specifically refers to yelling insults or derogatory language.

voice harshly

Describes expressing opinions or feelings in a severe or critical manner.

express derisively

Indicates conveying contempt or ridicule through speech.

spew venom

Conveys the idea of uttering hateful or malicious words.

FAQs

How can I use "hurl" in a sentence?

You can use "hurl" to describe the action of throwing something with great force, as in "He decided to "hurl" the ball across the field". It can also describe uttering harsh words, like "They decided to "hurl" insults at each other".

What's the difference between "hurl" and "throw"?

"Hurl" implies a greater degree of force and intensity than "throw". While you can throw something gently, "hurl" suggests a violent or forceful throwing motion.

What can I say instead of "hurl"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "cast", "fling", or "launch" when describing throwing. For uttering harsh words, consider "shout" or "utter".

Is it correct to use "hurl" in formal writing?

Yes, "hurl" is grammatically correct, but consider the tone. In very formal contexts, more neutral words like "throw" or "cast" may be more appropriate. "Hurl" carries a connotation of forcefulness.