physical blows

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "physical blows" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actual hits or strikes that cause physical harm or injury, often in the context of violence or combat sports. Example: "The boxer delivered several physical blows to his opponent, ultimately leading to a knockout."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

By taking a few physical blows, he struck a moral blow for civility.

The New York Times - Sports

But the competition between the papers immediately became fierce, sometimes to the point of physical blows.

The New York Times

Rand administered the denunciation and physical blows in the presence of both Branden's ex-wife and her own husband.

The New Yorker

In fact, relational aggression is said to be as painful as physical blows, and its negative effects can last for years to come.

University of California, Berkeley

Long before she was offending the pope, Miley Cyrus and Prince (the pair are said to have come to physical blows), Sinéad O'Connor was taking aim at Margaret Thatcher.

The Guardian - Music

More recently, Tim Crouch's in-yer-head show The Author both skewered and questioned the provocative violence of its theatrical forebears at the Royal Court, while directors such as Ellen McDougall have used striking visual metaphors - balloons, water, chalk - to stand in for physical blows.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Hydrocarbons are used as a physical blowing agent.

Chemical Engineering Science

It was shocking, almost like a physical blow.

The New Yorker

The chance encounter hit Ruskin like a physical blow.

The Guardian - Arts

Shock hit me, like a hard physical blow to my core.

Harvard Business Review

This paper describes general results of foaming polypropylene with chemical and physical blowing agents.

Polymer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about conflict or violence, use "physical blows" to clearly and directly convey the act of hitting or striking. This term is easily understood and widely accepted.

Common error

Avoid using "physical blows" when you intend to describe emotional or psychological harm. While impactful events can feel like a "blow", reserve "physical blows" for actual physical contact to maintain clarity and avoid misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "physical blows" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes acts of violence or aggression where physical force is used. It's commonly used to denote the act of hitting or striking someone. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

23%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "physical blows" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes acts of physical violence or aggression. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s appropriate for formal and neutral contexts, often appearing in news reports, scientific studies, and academic papers. The phrase serves to clearly convey the action of inflicting physical harm. While "physical blows" is widely understood, it's important to avoid using it to describe emotional or psychological trauma. Semantically related alternatives include "bodily strikes" and "physical assaults". The phrase is common, as demonstrated by its frequent occurrence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bodily strikes

Replaces "blows" with "strikes" for a slightly more formal tone.

physical assaults

Substitutes "blows" with "assaults", emphasizing the aggressive nature of the actions.

corporal attacks

Uses "corporal" to specify the attacks are directed at the body, adding a layer of formality.

physical violence

Replaces the noun phrase with a broader term for physical harm.

violent strikes

Focuses on the forceful nature of the strikes.

brute force

Highlights the raw power and aggression involved.

physical aggression

Generalizes the concept to any form of physical aggressive behavior.

bodily harm

Emphasizes the injury or damage caused.

fisticuffs

An informal term suggesting a brawl or fistfight.

hand-to-hand combat

Describes a situation where individuals are physically fighting at close range.

FAQs

How can I use "physical blows" in a sentence?

You can use "physical blows" to describe acts of violence or aggression, such as "The fight escalated, resulting in several "physical blows" being exchanged".

What are some synonyms for "physical blows"?

Alternatives to "physical blows" include "bodily strikes", "physical assaults", or "corporal attacks", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is it appropriate to use "physical blows" in formal writing?

Yes, "physical blows" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing events factually in news reports, academic papers, or legal documents.

How does "physical blows" differ from "verbal abuse"?

"Physical blows" refers to physical contact intended to cause harm, while "verbal abuse" involves using words to inflict emotional or psychological distress. They represent different forms of aggression.