series of blows

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "series of blows" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sequence of physical strikes or metaphorically to indicate a succession of negative events or challenges. Example: "The boxer endured a series of blows before finally regaining his composure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A series of blows?

The New York Times

It was a hideous series of blows.

The Guardian - Sport

Then began a series of blows to the family.

Independent

Ford has suffered a series of blows to its reputation.

The New York Times

In the late 1990s ASEAN was powerless in face of a series of blows.

The Economist

Grayson recalled the primary as a series of blows from which he never recovered.

The New Yorker

But this was just the latest in a series of blows.

The New York Times

During the following decades, life dealt Kwong a series of blows.

The Washington Post

But since the first round, reformers have suffered a series of blows.

The New York Times

Judah continued on the offensive and after taking a series of blows, Millett went down again.

The New York Times - Sports

Then reality hit — not all at once, but in a series of blows.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "series of blows" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly establishes the nature of the negative events. For instance, specify whether you're referring to financial losses, personal setbacks, or reputational damage.

Common error

While "series of blows" is acceptable in news and formal writing, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "bad streak" or "rough patch" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "series of blows" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a sequence of impactful negative events or physical strikes, often used to convey a sense of adversity or hardship. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and appropriateness in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "series of blows" is a versatile and frequently used expression that describes a succession of negative events or physical strikes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, especially in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. While the phrase conveys a sense of adversity, be mindful of its potential overuse in casual settings. Consider alternatives like "succession of setbacks" or "string of misfortunes" for nuanced expression. When employing "series of blows", ensure clarity and context, enabling your audience to grasp the full impact of the described events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

succession of setbacks

Emphasizes the negative consequences and hindrances resulting from the series of events.

string of misfortunes

Highlights the unfortunate and unlucky nature of the events.

chain of calamities

Implies a disastrous and devastating sequence of events.

barrage of hits

Focuses on a rapid and overwhelming sequence of attacks or strikes.

cluster of problems

Describes a group of difficulties or issues occurring closely together.

wave of adversity

Suggests a period of hardship and challenges.

rash of incidents

Indicates a sudden and unwelcome outbreak of events.

litany of woes

Implies a long and sorrowful list of troubles.

accumulation of difficulties

Highlights the gradual piling up of problems over time.

run of bad luck

Suggests a period of consistent misfortune.

FAQs

How can I use "series of blows" in a sentence?

You can use "series of blows" to describe a succession of unfortunate events, as in "The company suffered a "series of blows" due to the economic downturn" or to describe physical attacks, as in "The boxer absorbed a "series of blows" before retaliating".

What are some synonyms for "series of blows"?

Alternatives to "series of blows" include "succession of setbacks", "string of misfortunes", or "chain of calamities", depending on the specific context.

Is "series of blows" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "series of blows" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in news reports, business analyses, and academic papers. It conveys a sense of significant and repeated negative impacts.

What's the difference between "series of blows" and "minor inconveniences"?

"Series of blows" describes significant negative events, while "minor inconveniences" refers to small, trivial issues. The former implies substantial impact and potential long-term consequences, whereas the latter suggests temporary and easily resolved problems.