punch a hole

USAGE SUMMARY

"punch a hole" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe punching a hole in a solid or thin material, such as a piece of paper or fabric. For example, "She punched a hole in the fabric with a sharp object in order to create a buttonhole."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Punch a hole for me.

The New Yorker

Punch a hole in the Big Lie.

The New Yorker

But all those individual losses punch a hole in the food supply and drive prices up.

The New York Times

So come on, Newsweek: punch a hole in the locker room wall.

The New York Times

Clumsy enough to punch a hole through a masterpiece?

Vice

It's so hyped to where you want to punch a hole in somebody's head or punch a hole through the wall".

Wikipedia

Punch a hole in the card board.

WikiHow

Punch a hole through your second mark.

WikiHow

Punch a hole in the tin can.

WikiHow

Punch a hole right through the eyes.

WikiHow

Punch a hole in the center.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a physical action, consider the context. "Punch a hole" is suitable for actions involving a sharp or forceful impact. For more precise actions, use "drill a hole".

Common error

Avoid using "punch a hole" in contexts where a more nuanced term is appropriate. For example, instead of saying "punch a hole in the argument", consider using "expose a flaw in the argument".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "punch a hole" is as a verb phrase describing the action of creating an opening. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

51%

News & Media

43%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "punch a hole" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the action of creating a hole, often with force. Ludwig AI confirms this. While widely used in informal contexts such as WikiHow and news media, more formal alternatives like "make a perforation" may be preferable in academic or professional settings. The phrase is versatile, applying to both literal and figurative contexts, as evidenced by examples ranging from craft projects to challenging falsehoods. Understanding its appropriate usage ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

knock a hole

Replaces "punch" with "knock", suggesting a similar action of creating a hole with force.

puncture a hole

Uses puncture as a verb, similar to punching but often implies a smaller hole.

drill a hole

Substitutes "punch" with "drill", implying a more precise and controlled method of creating a hole.

bore a hole

Uses "bore" instead of "punch", indicating a twisting motion to create the hole.

poke a hole

Suggests a quick and less forceful way to create a small hole.

create an opening

Replaces the entire phrase with a more general description of the action.

make a perforation

Employs more formal language to describe creating a small hole.

pierce through

Focuses on the act of penetrating something to create an opening.

rupture something

Suggests a more forceful action that damages something by breaking it.

penetrate surface

Describes piercing or going through the surface of a material.

FAQs

How can I use "punch a hole" in a sentence?

"Punch a hole" is used to describe the action of creating a hole, often with force. For example, "He used a nail to "punch a hole" in the can".

What are some alternatives to "punch a hole"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "drill a hole", "bore a hole", or "create an opening".

Is it appropriate to use "punch a hole" in formal writing?

While "punch a hole" is widely understood, it might be more appropriate to use a more formal term like "make a perforation" in academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "punch a hole" and "poke a hole"?

"Punch a hole" implies a more forceful action, while "poke a hole" suggests a gentler action, often resulting in a smaller hole.