it took a beating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it took a beating" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that has been damaged, criticized, or suffered a setback. Example: "After the storm, the old barn really took a beating." Alternative expressions include "sustained damage" and "took a hit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

A review of Merrill's fixed-income strategy shows that in 1998, it took a beating on Long-Term Capital Management.

The New York Times

Argos entered the market last year with a 7in Bush MyTablet model for £99, but it took a beating in reviews, and lost out to the Hudl and the £80 Aldi Medion Lifetab.

The Guardian - Tech

It has received contributions and pledges of $21 million toward the new goal -- though like virtually every other arts organization, it took a beating last fall when donors redirected their giving to Sept. 11 charities.

The New York Times

Spencer, who had been hit in the left elbow by a pitch in the first inning, said, "It was one of those games where it took a beating to get there".

The New York Times - Sports

North Carolina's Frying Pan Tower did not take down their American flag ahead of Hurricane Florence — and it took a beating.

Vice

The magazine relies on luxury ads, and it took a beating as many luxury companies halted print advertising.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"It takes a beating out there so close to marine spray and sand," City Manager Dave Kiff said in a regular email anticipating the twice-monthly council meeting.

Los Angeles Times

It took a beat longer for fear to strike the audience.

The New York Times

The only disappointment as far as Paul was concerned was that it took a beat-down in Game 3 to produce the kind of effort the Clippers wanted in Game 4. "The great teams come out that way regardless," Paul said, "and hopefully we learned something today".

Los Angeles Times

The White House has been quick to betray sound free-trade policies to suit its political interests, so there was an element of comeuppance in watching it take a beating.

The New York Times

When you go through what she's been through, it takes a beating on you".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it took a beating", ensure the context clearly indicates what 'it' refers to. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the subject, especially in formal writing.

Common error

Be mindful of the phrase's connotations. "It took a beating" suggests significant damage or criticism, not just a minor setback. Using it for trivial situations can create a disproportionate effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it took a beating" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a predicate within a sentence. According to Ludwig, it describes the action of something experiencing substantial damage, criticism, or a setback.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it took a beating" is a common phrase used to describe something that has suffered significant damage, criticism, or a setback. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media. While its usage is generally neutral, careful consideration should be given to the intensity of the phrase and its appropriateness for formal contexts. Alternative phrases like "it suffered damage" or "it sustained heavy losses" can be used depending on the desired level of formality or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it suffered damage

Focuses on the physical harm or impairment experienced.

it sustained heavy losses

Emphasizes the magnitude of the negative impact or consequences.

it was badly damaged

Highlights the severity of the damage.

it endured a setback

Indicates a temporary halt or reversal in progress.

it came under fire

Suggests criticism or attack, often verbal or metaphorical.

it faced harsh criticism

Specifically points out negative feedback or disapproval.

it was severely criticized

Highlights the intensity of negative remarks or evaluations.

it was hammered

Uses a more informal term to express strong criticism or defeat.

it was trounced

Implies a decisive defeat or overwhelming setback.

it was ravaged

Highlights the destructive aspect of the damage received.

FAQs

How can I use "it took a beating" in a sentence?

Use "it took a beating" to describe something that has been significantly damaged, criticized, or suffered a notable setback. For instance, "After the market crash, the company's stock "it took a beating"".

What are some alternatives to "it took a beating"?

You can use alternatives such as "it suffered damage", "it sustained heavy losses", or "it was badly damaged" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is "it took a beating" too informal for academic writing?

While generally acceptable, "it took a beating" might be considered slightly informal for strict academic writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "it sustained damage" or "it endured a setback" in academic contexts.

What's the difference between "it took a beating" and "it faced criticism"?

"It took a beating" often implies significant damage or loss, while "it faced criticism" specifically refers to receiving negative feedback or disapproval. The former suggests a broader impact than just verbal critique.