it came as a blow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it came as a blow" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a sudden and unexpected shock or disappointment that someone experiences. Example: "When I heard the news of her resignation, it came as a blow to the entire team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Originally meant to collect data for 3½ years, last year its mission was extended until 2016.So it came as a blow when, on May 15th, the telescope's minders at NASA announced that the device was in trouble.

The Economist

It came as a blow the next year, 2009, when she abruptly jumped to the Bolshoi.

The New York Times - Arts

It came as a blow to the group's members, Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, Roger Taylor and John Taylor, and its former member Andrew Taylor.

The Guardian - Music

So it came as a blow when Mr. Deitch closed the gallery to take the reins at MoCA. "Everybody in the community was very unhappy, and they were freaked out," Ms. Grayson said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

However, the scrapping of the maintenance grant comes as a blow.

The Guardian

It's actually more a matter of weeks than minutes, and yes, I'm keeping count, but the particulars don't make much difference because it's clear to me that whenever 50 shows up -- it could be tomorrow or two years from now -- it comes as a blow to one's perennially youthful psyche, as impossible to grasp about one's own sprightly self as it seems perfectly plausible when it comes to other people.

The New York Times - Magazine

It comes as a blow to her hopes of qualifying for London 2012.

BBC

He suspects it came as a cruel blow.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It came as a terrible blow to officers' self-esteem," said Glen Smyth, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation.

The New York Times

She didn't know any of the other guests, and it came as a slight blow to the pride that none of the guests seemed to know her, either.

The New Yorker

Our friend says that it came as a jarring blow to his vanity last week to find amidships, hard by a 1937 World Almanac, a book of his that was published only two months ago, its jacket unsmirced, its pages unannotated, it had already been exiled from armchair & hearth, & condemned to a restless, rolling, nomnomad life afloat.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your language by using synonyms like "setback", "disappointment", or "shock" to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement. Consider the specific nuance you want to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "it came as a blow" for minor inconveniences. This phrase implies a significant emotional or practical setback. Use milder language for less impactful events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it came as a blow" functions as a predicate in a sentence, expressing that something was a sudden and unwelcome disappointment. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable. Examples from news sources in Ludwig demonstrate its use in describing unexpected negative events.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it came as a blow" effectively conveys an unexpected disappointment or setback. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable, predominantly found in neutral contexts such as news reports. While not overly formal, it implies a significant negative impact and should be reserved for events that cause real distress. Alternative phrases such as "it was a setback" or "it was disappointing" can be used for milder situations. Be sure to identify the entity that experienced the blow for clarity. Overall, use this phrase judiciously to accurately reflect the gravity of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was a setback

Focuses more on the hindering aspect rather than the emotional impact.

it was disappointing

Emphasizes the feeling of letdown more directly.

it was a crushing disappointment

Highlights the intensity of the letdown.

it was a major setback

Emphasizes the significance of the impediment.

it was a shock

Indicates more surprise than simple disappointment.

it was unexpected

Focuses on the surprise element of the event.

it hit hard

Uses more direct language to express the intensity of negative impact.

it stung

Emphasizes a sharp, painful emotional reaction.

it was a real letdown

Uses informal language to express feeling of unmet expectations.

it was a bombshell

Indicates a shocking, disruptive piece of news.

FAQs

How can I use "it came as a blow" in a sentence?

Use "it came as a blow" to describe an unexpected and disappointing event. For example, "The announcement of the company's closure "came as a blow" to the employees".

What can I say instead of "it came as a blow"?

You can use alternatives like "it was a setback", "it was disappointing", or "it was a shock" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it comes as a blow"?

Yes, "it comes as a blow" is grammatically correct and can be used to describe a future event that is anticipated to be disappointing. For example, "The tax increase will "come as a blow" to small businesses".

What's the difference between "it came as a blow" and "it was a disappointment"?

"It came as a blow" implies a sudden and significant negative impact, while "it was a disappointment" is a more general expression of unmet expectations. The former suggests greater surprise and emotional weight.